Romerio D. Perkins ’74

Romy died Nov. 1, 2021. He came to Princeton from Phillips Academy along with another star running back in our class, the late Walt Snickenberger. Romy starred in football, wrestling, hockey, and lacrosse and roomed at Phillips with future Florida governor Jeb Bush, who once ushered him into a meeting with President George H.W. Bush. 

After graduation from Princeton, Romy earned a master’s degree from Florida State University and returned to live in Tallahassee, where he was born and raised. He worked as a business consultant in investment banking, municipal finance, commerce, and urban planning. On the personal side, he was a prolific reader and author of poetry and prose as well as an avid jazz aficionado. He continued to share his poetry with a group of Princeton teammates and friends. He also enjoyed chess, golf, music, and a robust intellectual debate. 

Romy is survived by his wife and lifelong partner, Sharon; two daughters, Ila (Ariel) Perkins-Escoto and Sharisse Perkins; and a sister, Jacqueline Perkins.