Mr. Douglas R. Perkins, 65, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on Friday March 1, 2013 at Rome Hospital with his loving sister by his side. Douglas was born in Utica on June 16, 1947, the son of Rowland and Dorothy (Schneider) Perkins and attended Washington School. Doug was a special man, making many friends thru the years of his "travels". Among these caring people were the staff at IRA's 6 and 9 in Rome-Nancy W., Kevin, Sharon, Debby J., Tiffany, Jessica, Joanie and the others to numerous to mention, but not forgotten, as well as the people at O'Shea Day Program in Rome, in particular, Rickie (Site Manager) and Tony (and including Jack Dempsey-his first Rehab Counselor who retired several years ago, and who took a special interest in Doug). So many little things made Doug happy, including his $5.00 "allowance"-all in $1.00 bills only, of course, no more, no less; the cards he received over the many years for his birthday and the different holidays (and he had every card he ever got) and preparing his soup and dessert "cookbooks" for the special people in his life. He also did his drawings, several of which appear in various locations for the public to enjoy, in particular, one at the Bank of America in Rome as well as at different art shows in the area (he also sold one of his earlier works to a woman who saw his drawing and purchased it from Doug...which made him, as well as his family very proud). He was so happy every time he heard "The Star Spangled Banner" being played and in fact had his own copy to play whenever he wanted to feel his "happiness feeling". He also enjoyed his niece, Amy and nephew, Jim and their families, and on all the holidays when everyone got together, Doug was an important part of the celebration. He will be so missed.... particularly at the upcoming Easter dinner.... it won't be the same without Doug's own special version of grace. All in all, as Mom used to always say, Doug was a "good guy".....he was loved by many people and so missed. Mr. Perkins is survived by his sister, Susan Foss of N. Utica; former brother-in-law, James Foss of N. Utica; niece, Amy Mulligan, her husband Michael and children, Michael and Kelcie of Marcy; a nephew, James Foss II, his fiancé, Lorrie Washburn and children, Tom, Katelynn, Dalton, Miranda and Dawson of Rome, as well as several cousins. Mr. Perkins funeral will be held on Thursday evening March 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. A Spring interment will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park in Kirkland. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday from 4:00-7:00 prior to funeral service.