William Joseph Perry

Born on November 4, 1930, in Sacramento, California, Bill was the son of the late Jennifer (Nunez) Perry and Joseph Perry. He was raised in Northern California, graduating from Hayward High School in 1949.Pursuing his passion for science, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry, Food Science in 1953. While a student, Bill excelled as a member of the wrestling team and his school spirit shone through as UC Berkeley's mascot, Oski. Later in his career, he furthered his business expertise by earning an EMBA from USC in 1995.

A leader and pioneer in his field, Bill enjoyed a distinguished multi-decade career in the food industry. Notably, he was an innovator in packaged salads through his work with his company, Girard's Fine Foods. Following the sale of Girard's Fine Foods in 2007, Bill continued to serve as a respected business consultant to large and small companies until 2024. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was dedicated to civic and charitable endeavors. He generously contributed his time and leadership to the Kidney Cancer Association, serving as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for 23 years. In his personal life, Bill enjoyed golf, attending USC football games and investing in the stock market. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially during the holidays.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Elizabeth Seltz and Dolores Flood. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lesley Z. Blumberg; his children, Katherine Marie Simester, William J. Perry, Jr., Kathleen Milford, and Barbara Perry-Lorek; his nine grandchildren, Jasmine Folden-Diaz, Sarah Perry, Matthew Perry, Jessica Tyler, Konrad Lorek, Tanner Milford, Cameron Lorek, Jack Milford, and Cailin Lorek; and four great-grandchildren, Josephine Diaz, Luna Lorek, Leota Lorek, and Evelyn Milford.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Westlake Village on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following the Mass. Interment will take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, California, where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents and sisters. Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Kidney Cancer Association, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, or a charity of your choice.