E. June Perrine

AKRON – E. June Perrine, 87, a lifelong resident of the Akron area, passed away early Sunday, July 23rd at Akron City Hospital in the company of her loving family. She was born April 8, 1930, in Akron, the only child of the late K. Fern & Richard A. Siegel, and was a 1948 graduate of East High School. She was an accomplished accordionist who entertained many thousands of people over 70 years of playing. Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Richard G. “Dick" Perrine (2005), her mother, K. Fern Siegel (1989) and her father Richard A. Siegel (1945). She leaves her four children and their spouses, Katie Stokes Horn & Jim Horn, Barry & Ellen Stokes, Patrice & Jeff Harvey, Shelley Francis & Bruce Provencher; three stepchildren and their spouses, Janet & John Tartara, Paul & Sue Perrine, Betsi & Mike Konic; as well as 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She also leaves many friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly. To sum up her life in a few short words is hardly possible. She brought up her four children to become loving, responsible adults and that legacy continues with her grandchildren. June was an avid gardener. She was a devout member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Akron for almost 60 years where she volunteered in many capacities such as Vestry, choir, Altar Guild, St Anne’s, the Pre-Lent pancake dinner and Fall rummage sale. Throughout her adult life, June worked a litany of jobs to support her family, but after retiring from Roadway Express, she was able to pursue her true passion of doing charity work and bringing joy to everyone she could. She volunteered for many years at Good Neighbors, The Food Pantry of First Presbyterian Church and Meals on Wheels. A talented musician, June worked as a strolling accordionist and offered individual and group lessons to support her young children. She also entertained her family and friends around the organ. Later in life, she donated her time and talents playing accordion to entertain seniors and nursing home residents. June was known for her beautifully decorated wedding, birthday and other cakes. She graduated from Clown College when she was 65 and entertained children and adults as the clown “Smiley”, and would always donate the money she earned, preferring the happiness she provided others. She even had her husband and grandchildren dress up as clowns. Her first accordion performance was at Barber grade school and her last one before a large group of people was at her own 80th birthday party! She leaves a void that we must all try to fill. Friends and family will be received Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron (Ellet), Ohio 44312. Funeral service will be held Friday, 10 a.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 765 Thayer Street, Akron, Ohio 44310, with Father Dennis Blauser presiding. Private inurnment will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Akron or the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, Ohio 44307. (Hopkins Lawver, AKRON, 330-733-6271)