Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Calvin "Cal" F. Perkins Jr., 89, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully at home after a brief, but valiant healthcare challenge on Monday, June 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife of 62 years, Donnetta J. (Young) Perkins, and his devoted daughters.

Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to the late Calvin F. Perkins Sr. and Edna May (Fiske) Perkins, Cal was raised in the New Bedford and Mattapoisett area. He then embarked on a remarkable journey that began as a Cadet at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Later in his career, Cal proudly sailed to Europe on the Barque Eagle as navigation officer.

A decorated veteran, Cal was awarded a Bronze Star Medal while serving as commanding officer of an ammunition base in Vietnam.

He embraced a life dedicated to duty and adventure. After retiring in 1985, he returned to Mattapoisett, where he continued to find joy in the waters of Buzzards Bay.

Cal was also an active participant in his community, proudly belonging to the National Catboat Association, the Machacam Club of Mattapoisett, the Mattapoisett Council on aging, and Star in the East A.F. & A.M. Lodge in New Bedford. His true passion, however, was the sea. Whether aboard a grand vessel or his cherished catboat, Cape Girl, Cal found peace in the salty air, the rhythm of the waves, and the endless horizons.

An avid Red Sox fan, he rarely missed a game, delighting in every victory-especially against the Yankees.

He also cherished traveling with Donnetta, exploring countless countries, especially to South Africa, a favorite destination that became like a second home where he visited with his in-laws while there, and developing a special connection with his brother-in-law, Christopher Young.

Whether traveling by plane, train or cruise ship, the avid travelers loved exploring all places and would spend winters in their beautiful home on Nettles Island, Florida.

Cal's legacy is one of unwavering love, adventure, and devotion. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories of his kindness, wisdom, and the undeniable joy he found in all he did in life.

Cal is survived by his wife Donnie, who he met while serving in the merchant marine based in Cape Town, South Africa, and four daughters, Sarah Couto-Lagasse and her husband Robert of Warwick, Rhode Island; Jennifer Klein of Casco, Maine; Hope Perkins of Mattapoisett; and Amy Henry and her husband Jonathan of Marion; two brothers Barry Perkins and his wife, Susan of Mattapoisett ; and David Perkins and his wife Tracy of Carver; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Kyle, Hannah, Zebediah, Grace, Peyton, Averey and Justis. Uncle Cal was adored by an extensive list of many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews here in the United States, England , Wales, New Zealand and South Africa.

He was the father of the late Betsey Winslow (Perkins) Beatriz and the brother of the late William Bradford Perkins.

His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 12 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals 50 County Rd., (Route 6) Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will proceed the service from 9 AM to 12 PM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cushing cemetery with full military honors.

In Cal's honor, his family ask that if you can-take a veteran to lunch. Lend a hand to someone in need. Do something for someone else, any small act of kindness is the best way to honor Calvin Perkins.