Erik Perkins Obituary (1956 - 2026)

Erik Howard Perkins of Frederick, Maryland passed away on February 17, 2026, with family by his side. Erik was born in Baltimore, MD, on April 23, 1956. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul Mifflin and Patricia Lee Perkins, and his brother, Douglas Mifflin Perkins. Erik is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lori Young Perkins; his daughter, Erika Bryn Perkins, of Grand Rapids, MI; his daughter, Claude Carys Perkins, of Frederick, MD; and his brother, Stephen Thomas Perkins, of Harper’s Ferry, WV. Before retiring, Erik worked in aviation and spent most of his career as a flight dispatcher for ExxonMobil. He was also heavily involved in the National Business Aviation Association Professional Development Program, where he developed course curricula for dispatchers and schedulers and pilots nationwide. Erik took pride in mentoring those new to the industry. Erik helped a variety of charities and nonprofits throughout his life, starting in college with the Special Olympics and MARC. More recently, he volunteered on the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee, served on the board of the Frederick Bocce Club, and volunteered at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. Erik attended South Carroll High School and Towson University and graduated from Shepherd University. Erik was fortunate to grow up in a close-knit family that loved to travel, camp, and hike. Early in his career, he met his wife, Lori, while they were both working on a flight to London. His love of travel continued throughout his life, and he travelled extensively domestically and internationally. He had especially fond memories of coastal Maine, the Grand Tetons, Longboat Key, Florida, and the countries he visited in Europe. Erik loved to walk, whether that involved exploring a new city or hiking in the woods. He loved kayaking, playing bocce, and attending live theatre and musical events. He also loved to spend time chatting with friends, family, and neighbors. Erik was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and friend. His kindness, enthusiasm, and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We may even miss his dad jokes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local theatre or nature conservation organization, or to the Frederick Bocce Club. A memorial service is tentatively planned for late April or early May.