William H Perry of Franklin, MA entered eternal rest, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his home on December 11, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Columbus, OH on September 17, 1964, son of Gordon Perry, and the late Christine Hersey Perry, and was raised in Westport, CT. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Rosalie G Perry and sons, William H Perry, Andrew D Perry and Joseph C Perry. In addition, he is survived by Linda (sister) and Peter Hughes, Scott (brother) and Karen Perry, Carl (brother-in-law) and Jackie Gigliotta as well as 10 nephews and 1 niece.
Bill retired as CEO of Standard Life Investments North America. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep and Brown University. Bill was a standout on the 1982 state champion Fairfield Prep football team and was a two-time first-team All-Ivy defensive tackle at Brown. Bill earned All American status, was named to Brown’s all-Decade team and inducted into the Brown football Hall of fame. An annual award recognizing the best defensive lineman was created and named in Bill’s honor. With a teammate, Bill created the Brown football mentor program which has helped over 750 student-athletes since inception.
As Standard Life CEO, he led the growth of the American office from a 9-employee office to a 130 person investment operation, generating over $1 billion in assets under management. His organization was voted as a top 3 financial services workplace for 3 consecutive years in Investor Magazine. He was a dedicated volunteer for Xaverian Brothers High School, as well as other charitable organizations.
Bill will always be remembered for the many people he mentored and brought together, his philanthropic nature and love of the water. The family wishes to thank doctors and staff at Dana Farber, as well as his wonderful friends who supported him throughout his battle with cancer.
A funeral mass in Bill’s honor will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 10AM. All are invited to celebrate Bill’s life immediately following at Lake Pearl Luciano’s, 299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to: The Perry Family Charitable Fund, C/O Wells Fargo Advisors, 149 Durham Road, Ste 30, Madison, CT, 06443, so the family can continue Bill’s legacy of philanthropy.
Arrangements are under the care of the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com
