Joseph D. Perkins 1937-2026

He was born March 11, 1937, in Youngstown, the son of Joseph and Dorothy Sorrell Perkins.

Joe was a proud 1954 graduate of Struthers High School and began a union carpentry apprenticeship in 1955.

He started working at the age of 15 for several local builders before establishing his own construction company, Perkins Builders Company, in 1972. Over the years, he built hundreds of homes throughout the Mahoning Valley and took great joy in driving around town pointing them out. Even after retiring in 2005, Joe continued doing remodeling and repairs for dozens of friends and widows. He recently received his 70-year pin from Carpenters Local #171. Joe also served as president of the Home Builders Association and was inducted into the inaugural class of its Hall of Fame.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1965, attaining the rank of lance corporal.

A devoted member of Old North Church, Joe valued fellowship through Bible studies, Sunday school, Vespers and Oasis. He lived a life of service, participating in a mission trip to Brazil, a construction mission in Haiti and faithfully playing the piano and organ for many years. He also assisted with renovations at the Pregnancy Help Center and The Eagle’s Nest home for unwed mothers.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Ruth. He was a loving father to four children, Joe Jr. (Terry) of Mound City, Kansas, Dave (Debbie) of Zachary, Louisiana, Shari (Todd) Thomas of North Lima and Debbie (Keith) Hurt of Reynoldsburg. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, David (Pheriche), Dan (Rachel) and Andy (Miranda) Perkins; Melissa (Lucas) Jackson; Christina (Cody) Moore; Brooks (Emma), Hope and Camden Thomas; Jessie (Clay) Ehr; Anna (Brandon) Sherr; and Emily and Sydney Hurt; and 14 great-grandchildren, Paislee, Maverick, Owen, Allen, Annie, Abigail, Leo, JR, Thatcher, Wyatt, Everett, Cane, Camille and Ethan. He is also survived by a special niece, Charlene Johnson, and a brother-in-law, Robert Dalberg.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Dalberg, and stepbrother, Duane Wilt.

Joe was tenderhearted with his family and loved telling a good joke. He enjoyed Chips Ahoy cookies, the sound of M&Ms falling into a bowl, playing the Marine Corps hymn, the Perkins “Thanksmas” gatherings and Ruth’s award-winning roast beef.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44514; and 10 a.m. until time of service celebrating Joe’s life at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pregnancy Help Center, 5845 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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