Benjamin H. Perry

Benjamin Henry Perry, 77, “Ben” and “Benny”, passed away peacefully March 18, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s exacerbated by a stroke. Born in Mayfield, Kentucky and raised in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. A graduate from Waller High School (now Lincoln Park High School), Ben was lead singer of a band called The Renaissance, whose single (“The Name of the Game is Love”) may be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laAGQEUJQX8. Ben’s musical career was derailed in 1967, when members of the band were drafted into the United States Army. He served for six months before his honorable discharge. Ben worked as a Cook County Corrections officer for a spell before spending over 25 years working for the City of Chicago, Department of Streets and Sanitation. If you lived in Lakeview in the 1990’s, it’s very likely that Benny was at some point your garbage man! He also worked for Coldwell Baker as a real estate agent, retiring from both jobs in 2004. Ben was a longtime volunteer at Camp AWANA in Fredonia, Wisconsin (now known as “the Woods”). Ben was a camp counselor for the boys’ section and served in maintenance during the girls’ section. He also generously sponsored many campers over the years. Ben had a very dry and easily misunderstood sense of humor. He loved classic rock, riding his snowmobile, and attending live music with his devoted life partner of ten years, Sharon Dooley. Father of Wendy (Michael) Hayes of McHenry and Genevieve Perry of Chicago. Proud grandfather of Amanda Nelson and Shayne (Ashley), Steffen, Sean, and Keeley Hayes. Great-grandfather of Khloe Nelson and Sterling, Scarlett, and Sofia Hayes. Ben will be deeply missed by his extended family, the Dooleys: Megan and Bill Rupp and son Daniel, Amy and Greg Sittner and daughter Molly, and Ryan and Laurel Dooley and son Michael. Preceded in death by sisters Martha (the late Horace) Lindsay and Joanne (William) Thorp and parents Henry Benjamin Perry and Juanita Isabelle Perry (nee Henderson). Visitation Thursday, March 21 (6 to 7:30pm) at Midtown Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, 60618. Burial with military honors Friday, March 22, 11am (his 78th birthday!) at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Woods – Where Christ is First, 9025 Camp Awana Rd. Fredonia, WI, 53021. Please note “Benjamin Perry Summer Camp Scholarship Program” in memo. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 737-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Benjamin H. Perry

March 22, 1946 - March 18, 2024