NMMA mourns loss of former Miami Boat Show Director Marvin Perkins
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is mourning the loss of Marvin Stanley Perkins of Signal Mountain, who passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, at the age of 90.
Perkins was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1927 to Louis and Bess Perkins. He served in the Merchant Marine in World War II before attending the Poly Tech Institute of Brooklyn.
Following his education he joined his father and grandfather in their business, Perko, Inc., a manufacturer of marine lamps and hardware, now located in Miami, Fl, where he was active for over 50 years, retiring in 2000.
During his tenure as president, Perko became the market leader for their products, both in the U.S and abroad.
Perkins was well respected by his many friends and colleagues in the marine and boating industry, as evidenced by his service as a director of the Miami International Boat Show for several years.
Perkins was an enthusiastic and prolific restorer of old cars. Arriving, often sight unseen, in various degrees of rust and wreckage, he would patiently and skillfully bring them back to showroom condition, over 100 at last count. His prizes included a 1940 16 cylinder Cadillac convertible, a 1953 Corvette and many 1955 T-Birds.
A proud, lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, Perkins received a Masonic Service at his final ceremony. A captain of industry, a kind and loving family man, a patriotic American, and a good friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Perkins is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda Marie, his children Frederick (Toby) Perkins of Miami, Lynn Perkins (Scott) Short of Signal Mountain, David Perkins of Chattanooga, Sister Lily Abrams of Long Island, N.Y., and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is intered in Chattanooga, Tenn.
