Honoring Our Beloved Bill Perkins: A Legacy of Courage, Compassion, and Unyielding Advocacy  

Our beloved Bill was more than a public servant; he was the heart of our family—a loving husband, father, and friend whose deep compassion and boundless empathy touched everyone who knew him. His life was guided by principles of health, justice, and community service, which he demonstrated in every role he took on throughout his remarkable career. 

Bill was known not only as a fearless advocate for the underrepresented but also as a man who deeply cared for the people he served. Whether he was defending the Central Park Five, now known as the Exonerated Five, standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, or fighting for affordable housing, Bill’s work was always driven by a profound empathy for those in need. His legislative accomplishments, from the Childhood Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Act to the Living Wage Bill, reflected his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his fellow New Yorkers. He often reminded us that “Your health is your wealth,” believing deeply in the importance of good health—both for individuals and for communities—and dedicated his life to ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to live healthy, dignified lives.

Bill tirelessly worked for justice, understanding that the journey towards equity and fairness requires endurance and commitment. He knew that the work of advocating for others was not something that could be rushed; it required patience, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the cause. As he often said, “We all need to be in this for the long haul—because the fight for justice isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.” This philosophy guided his work and his life, shaping a legacy of love and perseverance that continues to inspire us and all who knew him.

In the later years of his life, Bill faced a deeply personal battle—a courageous fight against dementia. As the disease began to take its toll, Bill remained committed to the values he held dear. Even as his memory began to fade, his spirit never wavered. He continued to care for his community, walking the streets of Harlem, listening to the concerns of his neighbors, and advocating for others facing similar struggles. Through it all, he showed us the importance of resilience, love, and community.

CaringKind became a source of great support for our family during Bill’s most challenging days. With the same courage he had shown throughout his life, Bill turned his own struggle into a mission to help others. His dedication to this cause was a testament to the love and care he had always shown, even in the face of his own difficulties.

As we gather to honor Bill at this year’s CaringKind New York City Alzheimer’s Walk on Saturday, October 19th, we carry his love and legacy with us. He was our rock, our guide, and our inspiration. His work and values are principles that we will carry forward, not just in this Walk, but in our lives.

We invite you to join us in honoring Bill’s life and legacy. As we Walk together, we remember a man whose life was defined by love—for his family, for his community, and for justice. His legacy of service, resilience, and unwavering dedication will forever inspire us. Today, we walk with him in our hearts, united in our commitment to continue the work he began and to honor the incredible life he lived.

With love and gratitude,
The Perkins Family

Quote from Jed A. Levine, President Emeritus at CaringKind, 

"Bill Perkins was a steadfast advocate for the well-being of all his constituents in Harlem, with a special place in his heart for the elderly and those affected by Alzheimer’s. When approached by our African American Outreach Manager about launching a community education program, Bill didn’t hesitate—he immediately took action, securing a venue and ensuring the event was widely publicized. He understood the critical importance of grassroots education and support. Bill’s involvement lent our initiatives unparalleled credibility; his name alone was a testament to our trustworthiness and commitment within the Black community. We are profoundly grateful for his unwavering support in spreading our message of hope and help." 

Senator Bill Perkins
April 18, 1949 – May 16, 2023