William “Bill” Perna, Sr., 81, of McHenry, died peacefully on February 15, 2022, at JourneyCare Barrington with his family at his side.
Bill was born in Los Angeles, California on April 17, 1940, to parents Charles and Rose (nee Lentini) Perna. After being introduced through neighbors, he married Jacqueline Azarela on October 30, 1976, and the couple shared many happy years together. Bill was the ultimate family man. He was a devoted husband, a fantastic father, and a loving Papa and Grandpa. He was an active man who loved boxing, spending time at the movies and he loved to eat. He was out of this world funny, a strong and resilient man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Perna, his children, Tony (Kimberly) Perna, Christine Ladd, Lea (Jephte) Perna-Jeanlouis, and William (Lessly) Perna, Jr., his grandchildren, Alexandra (Josh), Amani, Amber, Joseph, Nico, Jayden, Isabella, Gianni, and Vincent, and his great-grandchildren, Niko and Nevaeh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph (May) Perna, and his sister, Grace (Frank) Gambina.
Services for Bill are private.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I'm very sorry lea. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a good woman and a great mother. Much love from me to you
I have so many memories of my Uncle Bill growing up in the San Gabriel Valley in the 50’s. He was the ultimate uncle to us Perna/Gambina kids. He played the piano and sang to us, played with us and was the most loving uncle in the whole world. He made us laugh daily and told us how beautiful we were all the time. He was only 12 years older than me and was really just a kid when I was born. When I got chicken pox and had a sore right between my eyes. Guess what Uncle Bill said? “If you pick the scab it would be a really cool scar”. Well I picked the scab (and by the way, I still have the scar to this day). My mother was so mad at Uncle Bill, she chased him down the street screaming at the top of her voice (and if you knew my Mom, you knew how loud she could scream)! Rest in Peace Uncle Bill, and just maybe those Angels in heaven will sing the Matilda refrain, “What makes your big head so hard”!
Uncle Billy was a star to us children he was so special. There are such precious memories of this tender hearted man. The love and admiration he had for his wife and children was something that showed so intensely. His love for us was so gifted. I'm very grateful for this. I still hear his voice speaking my name always nana not Nancy. God I loved him so much . Jackie was the only one for him the only one for our hero. God bless Bill and god bless Jackie and his family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our family has always adored Bill & Jackie. Bill will forever have a place in our heart and home. Much love from us to you,
Jackie(DQ),Christine,Lea,I’m so sorry to hear this. Bill was such a gentle soul, and he sure loved his sweet family, and his sweets! Now, he’s resting with the Lord. May the Lord God give all of you comfort, and ease your tremendous sorrow from Bill’s passing. He will most assuredly be missed by ALL who knew and loved him. My sincerest condolences to the Perna / Azarela families.