Guillermo Perez Obituary

Perez, Guillermo "Bill"

Guillermo "Bill" Octavio Perez, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

He was born April 24, 1938, in Panama City, Panama to the late Dagoberto and Ligia Cecilia Perez Parades. Bill was the eldest of 2 brothers (Abelardo "Abby" (RIP) & Dagoberto "Tin" Jr); sister-in-law Sonia and 1 adopted brother Vicente (RIP); father to Guillermo "Billy" O. Perez Jr & Kevin Perez; grandfather to Keith Perez; and uncle to Roberto, Edwardo, Fernando, & Sandra, and Audrey, Candice & Jorie. He spent the last 15 years by the side of his partner and friend, Concepcion "Connie" Razo, her children, and their families.

Bill's many achievements started at a young age, graduating from both elementary and high school with honors, he was awarded a full college scholarship and thus made him the first of his family to migrate to the United States. He would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Math at Roosevelt University, Master of Science in Mathematics at DePaul University and over a span of 40 years, teach mathematics and computer courses to many students at various universities. Unrelenting and committed to his work, Bill was awarded the "Outstanding New US Citizen of 1973", "1974 Outstanding Young Person" and the "1983 Hispanic Man of the Year".

Never forgetting where he came from, Bill joined and participated in the Panamanian folkloric dance group which displayed his love and passion for his country Panama and from 1990 t0 1999, he would direct the Folkloric Dance group "Panama En Chicago".

Over the years, Bill has played a vital role in growing the Latino electoral franchise in Chicago. His most profound accomplishment has been in voter registration and education. Working with the Chicago Election Board since the 1970's, Bill built and maintained relations with scores of Latino leaders, and community organizations, from local chambers of commerce to the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute. He is recognized as the calm, professional spokesman on election matters in all Spanish-language media and was recognized and awarded the "2009 Latino Professional Leader of the Year".

In 2019, on his 81st birthday, Bill's many life achievements were also recognized in a resolution by the Mayor of Chicago and City Council of the City of Chicago, for his many personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to the city throughout his lifetime.

Bill will always be known for the remarkable suits and ties he wore every day, his captivating life stories, passion for numbers and sudoku puzzles, reading, love of dancing salsa, being an accomplished chess player, leader, and trail blazer to the Latino community, and for his love and devotion to those around him.

A public service for friends and acquaintances is to be held at Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico de Albany Park, 4516 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-314-6715, Pastor Tomás Sanabria, M.Div. on Wednesday, December 14th from 1pm to 3pm. Family requests all donations be directed to the church for proper stewardship.

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