Joseph "Joe" R. Perkins

JOSEPH “JOE” R. PERKINS, of Binghamton

It is with sadness, yet gratitude for his life, that the family and close friends of our beloved Joseph “Joe” R. Perkins, 64, share his passing on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Binghamton General Hospital, after many long term illnesses. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Rosemary Perkins; and his brothers, Robert and George. He is survived by his love and life partner, Carol Golembeski, Binghamton; and his only child, daughter Katrina J. Perkins Keeler (Craig); and their children, Brianna Cheyenne, Brooklyn Alise, and Braydon Caleb (all of SC); and Carol’s daughters,  Jen Golembeski (Krista Jasmer, UT) and Lexi Desrosiers (Ted); and granddaughter, Ava June (GA). Also surviving, half siblings; brother, Bomani (wife Taneeka, children Na’ima, Bomani Jr., Trinity); and sister, Joi (her children, Deron, Ishmael, Eve); many loving cousins and families (all from Washington, DC area); the Vosburgh family, Cindy (SC), Katrina’s mother, her aunt Eloise, her cousin Lesley (Sid Peake, Binghamton;); extended families and beloved friends.

Joseph was a man of deep faith and inner strength with a great sense of humor, who demonstrated deep courage to persevere despite the immense health challenges he faced and numerous hospitalizations, especially during the past 10 years. As a lung transplant survivor since 1997, he continually rallied, defying the odds, inspiring many with his resilience and gratitude. Joe was born in Manhattan where he grew up, then resettled in Syracuse, before moving to Binghamton in mid-1970s. He was an exceptional and highly regarded bass guitarist/musician/composer, and a member of many bands including UnityGroup, Sonando, Eric Ross Blues, ERAvante ensemble, TWP, Ritmo de Alma, Salsa Libre, Bok Choi, Brethren of Funk, Discovery, and more, performing at a number of regional venues and events (schools, universities, churches, jazz vespers, festivals, benefits). He graduated from SUNY Broome with an AA degree in Communications and Media Arts as well as an A.S.  degree in Individual Studies. His many and diverse interests included: creative arts (music, film, photography, sketching), cooking, computers/technology, and politics. Joe was politically savvy and a staunch advocate for human/voting rights, environmental concerns, and an active member of Citizen Action. Known for his humorous stories and imitations, Joe loved sharing special memories. Any time spent with family and friends, including FaceTime and virtual gatherings, meant the world to him. His amazing life force now lives on in all who loved and cherished him. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Joe’s life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Recreation Park, Binghamton. Please consider a memorial donation to your favorite charity.  His friends have also established a GoFundMe account (https://gofund.me/63626e7) to assist with funeral expenses and travel expenses for the family. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the caring staff of UHS, U. of Pittsburgh, Bridgewater, RediVan, and the Bednarsky Funeral Home for their compassionate care.   Funeral and cremation services provided by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc., Binghamton, NY.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Joseph “Joe” R. Perkins of
Binghamton, who passed away on January 30, 2022, will be held on Saturday,
September 3, 2022, at First Congregational Church (30 Main St., corner Front St.),
Binghamton, from 1:00-2:00 PM. An informal social gathering and musical celebration
will follow at Recreation Park (58-78 Beethoven St.), Binghamton, weather permitting, at
the park’s gazebo/band shell (located between new playground and carousel), from
2:30-4:00 PM. Bring your own lawn chair to Recreation Park; parking off Beethoven St.
If weather is bad, this memorial celebration will continue at First Congregational Church
until 4 PM. (View earlier obit online at: bednarskyfuneralhome.com.)

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