William "Bill" Perry

William “Bill” Perry passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Saturday, September 5 at the age of 97, after a short stay in the hospital. Bill was born November 4, 1928, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and was a decades long resident of Scotts Valley at the time of his passing.

Bill was the third of ten children born to Frank and Mary Perry and lived on the family dairy farm near New Bedford, supporting his parents, brothers and sisters until he enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He was stationed in Europe after the surrender of Germany, then later served with distinction in the Korean War. He retired from active duty after 21 years of service, but remained in Germany, joining the American civil service. In total, Bill spent nearly 50 years of his life serving in the Army and working in the civil service.

While living in West Germany, he developed a passion for walking, and regularly participated in volksmarches or group fitness walks, hiking up to twenty kilometers or more. He completed about 60 marathons (42.2 kilometers) during all these years. Bill was known for his boundless energy and those who joined him commented that he always led the climb to the top of the hill at a steady pace, without stopping! After retiring, and settling in Scotts Valley, he kept on hiking, sharing his deep passion with others as a docent at Wilder Ranch State Park. Bill trekked on through the years, later leading a walking group at Cabrillo College.

Through his long life of service, Bill set an example of bravery and commitment to duty which will live on in his family, and in all those he touched along the way both home and abroad. He has crested his final hill with courage and dignity, earning a well-deserved rest.

Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years Jutta (Gerten) Perry, his brothers Frank, Manny (Joanne), Joseph (Karen) and John (Blanche), his sister Rosella, his sister- in- law Karen, and twenty-four nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Frank, his first wife Margit (Russe) Perry, his brothers Benjamin and Robert, and sisters Mary and Wilhelmina. Bill will be laid to rest at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California on Friday, September 25, 2026. Those wishing to honor Bill’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Santa Cruz, at 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley California, 95066, on line at https://www.hospicesantacruz.org.