William Leighton Perry, 65, of Rockford, IL, formerly of Green Bay, WI, Gurnee, IL, and Orrville, OH passed away on December 2, 2020, in his home due to complications from Lewy Body Dementia.

Bill was born on August 14, 1955, in Janesville, WI. He attended Craig High School, UW-Rock County, and UW-Madison (1978). Bill met his wife of 41 years, Lynn Stainbrook, in Janesville through a mutual friend, Joe Accardi, and was married on July 21, 1979. He worked as a Quality Assurance Manager for Metro Media Technologies (OH) and a Market Surveillance Analyst for Underwriters Laboratories (IL) where he retired in 2015.

Bill was a lifelong Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer fan. He was able to spend time with longtime friend Mike Dietz, watching the Packers win prior to his passing. He enjoyed his time living in Green Bay Wisconsin and being able to experience all that is Lambeau Field, especially during the Super Bowl celebrations. In college, he spent much of his time working in the prairie gardens and continued his interest in landscape architecture and nature throughout his life. He also has a great love of the Marx Brothers, fondly watching old movies, and even enjoyed playing Harpo Marx in a stage production while at UW-Rock County. He loved fishing, hiking, and all things outdoors especially when he was able to share with his children and their friends. With his Son, Bill had fond memories of their time together mentoring and teaching through Boy Scouting, especially trips to Boundary Waters, attending a parent-child space camp, and Jeep Jamboree. With his daughter, he enjoyed coaching softball, watching countless dance recitals, sporting events, and competitions, and then watching her become a parent. Bill and Lynn finished each other's sentences, supported one another, enjoyed traveling together, watching and playing along to Jeopardy, raised successful children together, challenged one another, and made each other better. Their marriage was the kind one strives for. The immediate family was able to be together for Thanksgiving and will remember laughing together and making jokes at someone’s (usually mom’s) expense.

Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle will be forever in the hearts of Lynn Stainbrook (wife), Rachel Goodale (daughter) and Patrick, Daniel Perry (Son) and Jennifer, Nolan Goodale (Grandson), Leighton Goodale (granddaughter), Lucy Goodale (Granddaughter), and Nathan Goodale (Grandson), Jacquelin Wood-Schooff (sister), Michael Perry (brother) and Ann, Kellie Smith (Niece), Kim Smith (Niece), Steven Perry (Nephew) and Sarah, Jeff Perry (Nephew) and Sarah, Kari-Ann Buehl (Niece) and Todd, Kelly McGary Smith (Niece in-law) and many great-nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Regina Perry, and nephew Graham Erik Smith (2018).

A memorial service will take place at a later date, near Arbor Day 2021 to celebrate his life. More information to come.

The family will be honoring Bill’s life by making a contribution to UW-Arboretum and designating commemorative trees and/or bench in his name. Memorial contributions can be made to the family - Rachel Goodale via check/cash (please contact) or venmo- @Rachel-Goodale-3

Memorial contributions can also be made to Rockford Public Library Foundation to be used for landscaping for the new building. Checks can be mailed to RPL Foundation 214 N Church Street Rockford, IL 61101 Memo: Bill Perry or donation by phone 815-987-6611.