Robert "Bob" Colburn Perkins

He was born on August 8, 1925, in Corning, New York. He graduated from Northside High School in Corning in 1942, and was valedictorian of his class. He entered the US Army, and served in Europe during World War II. After his discharge, he entered Syracuse University, and received a BA degree in organ performance. He later earned and MA from the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Mr. Perkins worked as a church organist, chorale director and college instructor in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, before moving to New Orleans in 1985. There he served as organist and choral director at First Presbyterian Church, and later at St. Paul Lutheran Church, until he retired at the age of 80. In retirement, he served as substitute organist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and founded the hand bell choir.

Mr. Perkins enjoyed travel, bicycling, sailing, cooking, and baking. He loved dogs. He and his wife Mary hosted music parties at their home, where they performed two piano repertoires and featured other musician friends, including members of the LPO, and sometimes jazz with son Stephen "Spike" Perkins and his group.

He is preceded in death by his son, John Perkins of Pittsburgh, PA, his sister, Gail Gilroy, of Binghamton, NY, and his brother-in-law, Andre Robin of CA.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Robin-Perkins, sons, Tim Perkins and Stephen Perkins, nephew, Matt Gilroy (Mary), niece, Patricia Rienzo, brothers-in-law, John Robin (Dorothy), James Robin (Joan), sisters-in-law, Corinne Robin Fox and Mona Robin, and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.

The family would like to give special thanks to the doctor, nurse, and caregivers who took care of Bob in his final illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the designated hand bell choir fund at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in his memory. https://www.standrewsnola.com/copy-of-giving.

Services will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1031 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 on Saturday, February 19, at 11:30 AM. Friends and family are invited to attend. COVID-19 protocols will be observed and masks ARE REQUIRED.

The service will be live streamed on St. Andrews YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq80aNC4N1I