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Edward E. Perkins, Sr., 85, loving husband of Maureen (Curry) Perkins, passed away at Masonicare Hospice, Wallingford, on July 11 surrounded by his loving family. Ed was the son of Clarence and Ethelyn (Morton) Perkins, the oldest of seven siblings. He was born in his beloved Stafford, Vermont, on March 14, 1933. Ed spent his early teen years helping his grandfather run a lumber-cutting business in the hills of Vermont. He relocated to Guilford in 1949, graduating from Guilford High in 1951. He married Maureen in 1952, spent two years in the U.S. Navy, and then returned to Guilford in 1954, where they raised a family and remained for the rest of his life.

Ed was a charismatic, smart man with a restless entrepreneurial spirit. He tried and succeeded in many occupations in the ensuing years, being a self-taught master carpenter, developer, mechanic, machinist, and business owner. Ed started a door and window millwork business in 1963, Whitfield Millwork, which evolved into Perkins Millwork by 1975. By 1978 his children were involved in the business, which enabled Ed to begin spending most of his time chasing his true passion, which was antique and Full Classic cars.

Ed traversed the country, buying, selling, and horse-trading hundreds of cars, mostly Packards and Chryslers. Ed really loved the early 30’s Chrysler Custom Imperials and with his sharp eye and nearly photographic memory, he became the “go-to” guy, getting calls from around the world for advice, restoration tips, and parts from many people restoring these cars.

In the 80’s, Ed started a restoration shop and restored many Full Classics, including a Chrysler that sold at the time for a world record price for that particular model, and he was immensely proud of this fact. Ed loved his yearly trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he could interact with all his car buddies and acquaintances he had helped over the years. It was here in Hershey that his quick wit, charm, and playful sense of humor would always shine through.

Ed spent his final years playing golf and enjoying the success of his beloved Boston Red Sox and UConn women’s basketball. All who knew him will sorely miss him. “You can take the man out of Vermont, you cannot take the Vermont out of the man.”

A special thanks goes out to cousin Kathy (Kent) Burr, sister-in-law Linda Curry, the nursing staff at Saint Francis Hospital, and Masonicare Hospice Services for the wonderful care he received during his final months.

In addition to his wife Maureen, Ed leaves behind his son Skip (Edward, Jr.) Perkins; daughter Lori (Ralph) Stanizzi; grandchildren Nicole (Luis) Rivera, Evan Harris, Derek Perkins, and Cori (Anthony) Zuppardi; and great grandchildren Lorin, Marcel, Dyson, and Charlotte. He also leaves sisters Gwen (Terry) and Judy; brothers Brad (Julie), Ronnie, and Mike; sister-in-law Karen Perkins; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother David.

Family and friends were invited to calling hours on July 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. The Funeral Service was held on July 16 at Guilford Funeral Home. Burial was held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492, or Dudley Foundation, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford, CT 06437. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.