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Burton Perlow Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Burton Perlow
72 Entries
Ash H
June 11, 2025
My family moved from Texas to Wheeling IL temporarily in 1992 and I attended Holmes Middle School for a few months. I recently visited the Chicago and had a little free time so I drove out to the school with my wife and child to take a look at the property. We stopped the car where the school bus area is located and looked out at the athletics field. After 30+ years, I remembered playing a soccer game during PE when it was freezing cold, blue sky, bright/sunny, and windy in the fall of 1992. Burt was our PE coach at the time and said "you are lucky to be alive on a day like this". I also remember one time he did a demonstration of how a scale worked and he pushed a scale between his palms with a force of over 200 pounds. I did not know him well but he was one of those people you remember years later because he was larger than life. Googling his name brought me here. So sad to hear he passed away. Condolences to the family.
Mace Oropeza
September 30, 2023
My deepest heart felt condolences to the Perlow family..He was my gym teacher, wrestling coach, and larger than life. I Rember a athletic pull up test where I couldn't even do x1 pull up in class. He motivated me and instilled great work ethic that I accidently caught myself in competetive bodybuilding and coaching soccer. He was tough as nails and I remeber out signature move in wrestling 'The Hornet Roll' and I named some of my plays after our mascot, like he did, have some signature lines like he did and pass on these fitness skills to the kids. I'm blessed that the students recieve me so well, and I always think of him during practices and I hope to have a fraction of the success he did and impact young people's lives like he did. Fly high sir thanks for the inspiration, those building blocks on work ethic and those life lessons
Raul Sotelo
March 30, 2023
Mr. Perlow:
You were my high school football coach in 1998. This is Raul Sotelo #51, I just found this, I would like to thank you for your toughness, and for the hammer hit award you gave me against Palatine. I think about you all the time and the great lessons you taught me about life. I will miss you Mr. Perlow.
-Raul-
John Nathan, DDS, MDS
November 17, 2022
I often think of Burt and his soft spoken demeanor. He was as kind and talented as he was giving. He´s greatly missed, he was a high school classmate who earned the respect of everyone with whom he had contact.
He will long be remembered.
Jeffrey Schuman
November 16, 2022
Went to High School with Burt and was a teammate
on several sports. Really a great guy.
Jeff Schuman
Mark Witucke
February 22, 2022
Cover that redeye!
Sending love, wherever you are, Mr Perlow. You were a mensch among turkeys.
An 80´s Holmes Alumini
Carol sarantakis
November 16, 2021
My sympathy to the family
Burt was a wonderful guy, fun loving. He will be missed.
Steven Duncan
December 20, 2020
Coach Perlow was a brand new teacher in 1975 when I met him at VHS West Des Moines, IA. He was an assistant FB coach and sometimes my hs wrestling partner. He used to work out with us wrestlers to "keep that fine edge". RIP Coach Perlow.
Allan Nielson
December 18, 2020
Burt was a friend through wrestling. I always enjoyed and respected his enthusiasm and spirit. Peace to his memory and family.
Paul DiGioia - class of 80
December 16, 2020
I walk into the weight room with a few guys thinking we´re something . I see a guy doing Reps on the machine bench press. With the entire STACK !! - he´s doing 6,7,8,9.10 reps and blowing air with every rep . He gets done , stands up and says to me " how you doing today " - I swear to god I thought it was the Hulk !! - he taught me the Alabama bench press program . Taught us all how to work hard before you talk smack . Coach P was a legend . A monster in the weight room and just as nice with a classic smile every time I saw him . He also scared the hell out of me and I never wanted to mess up or do anything stupid in his presence . Respect is earned and Coach P earned all of our respect . He was larger than life . Thanks for everything Coach - you gave way more than you´ll ever know and we love you for it .
Fred Denenberg
December 13, 2020
Attached is a great family photo from Burton's Bar Mitzvah.
Fred Denenberg
December 12, 2020
My dad, brother, Cindy and I wish the Perlow family our deepest condolences for the loss of Burton. He will be missed deeply and remembered with fond memories.
Attached is a picture of him at the Perlow picnic in Northbrook in the early 2000's.
Love,
Freddy
Todd Wilson
December 10, 2020
I remember Coach Perlow being a close friend to a mentor of mine, Coach Schulze. He came up to wrestling practice once in a while and man was he a big strong dude! I remember seeing him in the hallway at WHS and saying “hey Burt, hey Ernie” He actually chased me down the hallway, all in good fun. I was happy to hear he ended up coaching at Holmes. A life that touches others goes on forever. RIP Coach Perlow, give Coach Schulze a hug from me.
Gail Turbin Gorenstein
December 9, 2020
I am so sorry Burt was taken away from you. I remember how kind he was to me in high school where most of the guys were creepy. He was an athlete and I was a cheerleader so I saw every game he played in. We were glad he was on our team and not theirs!
Linda Halinski
December 8, 2020
My condolences to the Perlow family. I was in his IR class, I was the only female in an all male class and I fit right in. I remember what a beautiful hand writing he had. If you never knew or saw him you wouldn't believe that was his writing because he was such a big guy but he had a gentle soul. He will truly be missed. R.I.H.
Don Morgan
December 8, 2020
Burt was a fine man and a gentleman. He always had a kind and gentle nature. He will be missed. I feel blessed to have known him.
Sandra komplin
December 8, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jeff Schuman
December 8, 2020
Burt Perlow, what a very nice guy! Met him in high school, and was a terrific running back on the Niles West 1967 football team. He was really an extremely good guy, and will be missed.
Jeff Schuman
John Nathan, DDS, MDS
December 7, 2020
We shared home room for four years, played basketball for four years and baseball our freshman year. Burt was the gentlest of souls, soft spoken, always respectful of others, while a fierce competitor in all athletic competition.
He was a devoted body builder and the envy of
all who wanted to be just like Burt. It comes as no surprise to learn of his dedication and commitment to teach and mentor student athletes at the high school level and below.
He quietly led by example, and clearly was instrumental if not influential in shaping so many others.
It was a privilege to have known Burt, to have competed thankfully on the same team, and to now reflect on the significance of his life and contributions to others.
Karen Olson Koach
December 7, 2020
The minute I hear Burt's name I get a flash of his smile! I remember him from even before Niles West when he and Danny McEvoy were inseparable in my mind. What a gentle giant. Soar high Burt and please say hi to my husband.
Carol Ann Sarantakis/Coyle
December 7, 2020
Burt was a wonderful friend in high school. Liked by all and a true fun loving man.
Elise Gelman
December 7, 2020
Burt was a legend in my mind. We went to Niles West High School together.. He was a terrific athlete , kind and smart. He had a distinguished way of walking. I’m glad I saw him at one of our reunions. Blessings to his family
John E Nathan, DDS, MDS
December 7, 2020
Burt was a classmate who despite his fearsome and intimidating physical prowess from dedicated body building, he
Was a fellow athlete and teammate of mine in basketball and baseball. He was a soft spoken and gentle friend I will always remember. He was especially shy and quietly confident with unlimited talent and dedication to whatever challenge he undertook. I can only imagine he served as an inspiration and polite mentor to his students and fellow teachers. While We lost contact when we left for college, it is easy to envision his success and humble nature in the career he chose. His classmates and team members were perpetually impressed with his discipline, commitment and dedication to
mould himself in the image needed to excell in football and life in general.
It is with profound regret to learn of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his
immediate family and friends who had the pleasure of knowing this kind soul
James Morten
December 7, 2020
A great team leader
Michael Pepper
December 7, 2020
Burt Perlow. High School Teammate in football and basketball. Classmate, Friend. I loved Burt. Reading the memories of others here I am not surprised that he touched so many as he did me. A most beautiful human being. Burt’s spirit lives on.
John Bold
December 7, 2020
Burt and I were classmates from sixth grade through high school and on to Drake University. He was one of my best friends and a great team mate. He always inspired me to be the best I could be. A gentle giant who for several weeks in the fall of 1968 was the nation's leading college running back. I miss him greatly!
Edward Linn MD
December 7, 2020
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Perlow family.
I first met Burt in August of 1963. Our football lockers were next to each other during our Freshman year at Niles West. As I got to know Burt during our high school days I was always impressed by his humility and quiet dignity. He had achieved so much yet his modesty was a model for all.
May his memory serve as a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Bob Goldenberg
December 7, 2020
First, I offer my deepest sympathy.
I played high-school football as a 2nd string defensive back where I met Burt. I was small at 145 and Burt was fairly big even then. One of my strongest memories of that time is when we were scrimmaging 1st string vs 2nd string. Burt came flying through the line. I positioned myself for a classic tackle and tried to wrap him up. Next thing I knew I was flat on my back. By the time I got up the play was over. To this day I don't know if I knocked him down or just broke his stride a bit. I do know he was a great sport and great athlete.
Bob Goldenberg
NiWeHi '67
Bob Gottfred
December 7, 2020
Burt was a high school classmate of mine at Niles West. A gentle giant. Great half-back and genuinely nice person. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Tim Ried
December 7, 2020
Just saw the article in the Daily Herald. It was my privilege to coach football with Burt at WHS, 1979-81. He was an amazing coach and friend!
Susan Walsh
December 5, 2020
Fondly remembering family times spent with Burton. He was a good and kind man. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Doug Winslow
November 30, 2020
Burt and I were football teammates at Drake University.
On my recruiting trip to Drake when I was a senior in high school, I was introduced to Burt in the dorm. I’d never seen a guy built like he was! He was a class act and we were blessed to play on a team with great coaches and fellow teammates.
My sister adored him and when I fixed her up with Burt, I wasn’t expecting her to get sick in his car. He took it all in stride and he will be missed, Rest In Peace!
Doug Winslow, Drake Alumni 1973.
Phil Pritzker
November 30, 2020
Burt was a positive influence throughout his tenure @ Holmes Middle School, and impacted so many that it is impossible to to put a limit on it. Thank you for being part of the District 21 family for so many years!
Joe J. Stumpfoll
November 27, 2020
Mr. Perlow asked me to wrestle for Holmes Middle School in 2000 and I had never considered the sport before that point. After a lack of success my first year, he told me to not be discouraged and to stick with it. I was proud to wear the "Bad to the Bone" t-shirts that he had for us, as well as his Perlow Steel shirts. Mr. Perlow also set the freshman offensive line for Wheeling High School in 2002 and put me at right guard. He was a very motivating teacher and coach and I was glad to have caught the tail-end of his career.
Tony Ranvestel
November 24, 2020
Coach Perlow was a legend. With his trademark limp, massive upper body and that growl in his voice, he was quite the character, roaming the hallways and athletic facilities of Holmes Junior High and Wheeling High School. Always motivating, always pushing us to work harder, always tough as nails but also kind-hearted and friendly. He was one of the main motivating and driving forces behind the 1995 MSL conference champion Wheeling Wildcats football team. Thank you, coach, for everything you taught us about hard work, grit, intensity and determination. You will be missed.
Sandra coleman komplin
November 24, 2020
Sorry to hear about the passing you are in a much better place now.
Al Sprehe
November 23, 2020
Mr. P was an awesome man, teacher and coach. My Freshman year 1979, he remembered my name the very first week of school. Rest in peace...
Jay menzel
November 23, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Perlow’s family.
He was a excellent coach and mentor during High School.
I can still hear him yelling my name MENZEL, I DON’T UNDERSTAND!!..
I played Football for many years, and had many coaches, he is the one I would always remember.. RIP Coach..
Scott Preusker
November 23, 2020
Coach Perlow and his legacy are larger than life. He changed my life and the lives of so many young student athletes for the better.
His care for people, discipline and work ethic were contagious. Personally, he directed me during troubling times in Junior High and High School to channel my energy into sport and fitness. As students, many of us were staunch Perlow Steel supporters as we wore those T-shirts proudly where "the iron rides high" in the WHS weightroom. Coach Perlow, you are forever loved and forever in our hearts.
Love,
Scott Preusker
Scott Preusker
November 23, 2020
Coach Perlow and his legacy are larger than life. He changed my life and the lives of so many young student athletes for the better.
His care for people, discipline and work ethic were contagious. Personally, he directed me during dark and troubling times in Junior High and High School to channel my energy into sport and fitness. As students, many of us were staunch Perlow Steel supporters as we wore those T-shirts proudly where "the iron rides high" in the WHS weightroom. Coach Perlow, you are forever loved and forever in our hearts.
Love,
Scott Preusker
Scott Preusker
November 23, 2020
Coach Perlow and his legacy are larger than life. He changed my life and the lives of so many young student athletes for the better.
His care for people, discipline and work ethic were contagious. Personally, he directed me during dark and troubling times in Junior High and High School to channel my energy into sport and fitness. As students, many of us were staunch Perlow Steel supporters as we wore those T-shirts proudly where "the iron rides high" in the WHS weightroom. Coach Perlow, you are forever loved and forever in our hearts.
Love,
Scott Preusker
KS
November 23, 2020
I never directly had Mr. Perlow as a PE teacher, but students usually interacted with all the PE teachers at HMS at some point in their school career. It was an absolute honor to be able to know Mr. Perlow. I remember we had a roller skating week in PE every year, and I never roller skated in my life. All my friends convinced me to try the roller skating unit in 6th grade even though I had zero experience. Only me and one other student never skated before in that class. Over the course of that week, I learned how to skate, and Mr. Perlow was proud of my determination. He gave me a school t-shirt and water bottle for my persistence, and I will never forget it. He impacted the lives of many in such positive ways. May he rest in peace.
Ken kent
November 23, 2020
Coach Perlow came to wrestling practice to be my workout partner at Wheeling High School my senior year 1977. Thank you coach for making me a better wrestler and better person. Always cared about all of us and would do anything to help us.
Joe Bozek
November 23, 2020
Mr. Perlow was an absolute gem. My twin brother, Roger, and I had him a few times as a P.E. teacher at Holmes Middle School, but he quickly became more than that. Although Mr. Perlow knew Roger and I were not into sports, he had a persistence to him that was unrivaled. Perhaps he saw something in my brother and I that we didn't at the time...
Astonishingly, Mr. Perlow still took interest in the two of us. He supported our musical endeavors and aspirations, and always, always rooted us along the way (he even memorized some of the lyrics to one of our original songs!)!
My brother and I will greatly miss him. May his love live on in all of us! RIP Mr. Burt Perlow! ! !
Ernie Cervantes
November 23, 2020
To Coach Perlow's Family and Loved Ones,
I hope you how many kids Coach Perlow positively influenced and considered him a friend. There are a lot us out there and we remember him fondly. I know he enjoyed motivating us "pencil necked geeks" but loved watching us succeed even more. Thanks for all you did for us Coach P!
RIP Coach Perlow
Ernie Cervantes
WHS Class of '82
Laura Frese
November 23, 2020
I remember him from Holmes Jr High. He gave me a singing teddy bear many years ago
He was a great guy and wrestling coach. He will be missed.
Todd Fell
November 23, 2020
Coach Perlow was bigger than life. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a coach to so many of us. Wrestling at Holmes Junior High, Coach Perlow helped develop so many of us into wrestlers and decent human beings, who understood hard work does pay off and nothing comes easy, which these days is something special. I know there are dads everywhere who coach their children using a little piece of what Coach Perlow taught us, I know I do. Coach Perlow, you can rest easy knowing you touched so many young lives, and that is the definition of success.
Jack Mongan
November 23, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear this. But was a regular member of our " crew " of Baran, Mazzone, Toll, Barrett, Watters, etc. He was always our
" Hulk " . Whenever we'd hit a bar with a band, the guys would have me sing " Gloria " however, it was always Burt who would be sent to request my performance. They would have been fools to turn that monster down :) . Little did they know what a gentle giant he was...
He ran the Burly Club for athletes at WHS... A weightlifting club that he had created strict guidelines for, if you were to receive the club t shirt. I desperately wanted a shirt but, fell 10 lbs short of the weight requirement for a bench press so, no shirt.
When I left to work in Hollywood, he gave me the official shirt...stenciled on the back was,
- 10. :) .Always true to his standards. I'll miss you Burt. You were a good friend and wonderful teacher. God bless. Coach Baran's waiting for you. ❤
Ryan Corcoran
November 22, 2020
God bless Mr. Perlow!!! He was a great coach and helped developed boys into respectable young men!!! His physique was always impressive, RIP!
Al Larcher
November 22, 2020
The man was a legend and will never be forgotten. Always a positive presence who used humor and guidance to mentor and teach. You always felt like he cared, probably because he did.
Plus he was a hell of a square dance teacher.
RIP Mr. Perlow.
Jason Lewkowicz
November 22, 2020
My first real coach. To echo all the other comments: he was larger than life. A great human being and one who truly cared. May he rest easy. Thank you for always providing us kids, guidance.
Debby Whitecotton
November 22, 2020
You were a awesome teacher and the kids were all better because of you.
Basman Metti
November 22, 2020
Mr. Perlow was my first real coach.
I’ve maintained an active and healthy lifestyle throughout adulthood because of this man. Certainly, many of my high school classmates can say the same.
Forever indebted.
Rest In Peace Coach.
Mitchell Brenghause
November 22, 2020
You were such a wonderful man. You presented me with a plaque of the 1st perfect score in middle school. We use to run into each other at Lattof YMCA after my swim practice. I have never forgotten all the great encouragement you gave me. Thank you for being such a great teacher! You will truly be missed!
Sue Stein
November 22, 2020
Burt was more than a great colleague, he was a true, kind, & selfless gentleman. Really, one of the nicest guys I've ever known. New to coaching track & field (& teaching), I thank him for having taken the time to teach me about shot & discus so I could then coach our Hornets...which I did for the next 25 years! I watched as he developed a stunning wrestling program at Holmes and marveled at his following. Burt was also a great neighbor, extremely thoughtful & caring--just a really good guy. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Darren Danielson
November 22, 2020
Great man well respected! Rest in peace Mr Perlow.
November 22, 2020
BP may you rest in peace. The world is a better place because of you.
Kevin Gordon-Student
Jeffrey M Livingston
November 22, 2020
Burt was one of the finest men I have ever known. There was absolutely no end to his kindness or caring. We have lost one of the best of us. He will not be forgotten because he touched so many lives that he will remain in all of us that had the privilege to know him. My wife and all 6 of my children knew Burt and the boys were as proud to call him coach as I was to be his coaching partner at Holmes for many years. Rest in peace my friend.
Dustin Rothbart
November 22, 2020
Mr Perlow was a class act. I was a very troubled student in middle in school. He was tough but always friendly. He unannounced showed up to my bar Mitzvah which was so surprising because there weren’t many Jewish students at Holmes and that felt isolating. I guess he felt it was important to support me. Very few teachers took an interest in their students like he did although he was never directly my teacher. I am very sad to hear of his passing and hope he rests well. He made a difference in a lot of peoples life. RIP Mr. Perlow.
Rebecca Magana
November 22, 2020
Prayers to your family.
Mr. Perlow was a great man and Coach Such a positive figure for my three sons and many other boys in the lives he touched
Andrew Rothmeyer
November 22, 2020
Coach BP You were one of a kind simply AWESOME. Great inspiration. Loved the Conan Barbarian workouts at WHS and most certainly as well as having you as a football coach. Thank you for being awesome. RIP Coach BP. My heart goes out to you and all your loved ones.
Josef M. Stumpfoll
November 22, 2020
Thank you Mr. Perlow for being a role model for our kids at Holmes middle school and teaching my son wrestling and physical education. You were an inspiration for Wheeling High School football as well.
Pete vargas
November 22, 2020
Burt was an awesome man positively influencing thousands of kids also giving me chance to coach at Holmes wrestling middle school where we thoroughly dominated the competition.. we have lost a great man today
Rick Benedetto
November 22, 2020
Burt was my best friend and colleague at Wheeling High School. He was a coaching mentor to me. He had a special unique ability to motivate his players. He was tireless in his efforts in helping develop thousands of students and athletes. At the same time he could make sports to always be fun for the players and coaches. He will be forever missed.
Lou Gatta
November 22, 2020
I knew Burt as a football player at Drake University and then when he coached both my sons at Wheeling High School. Coach Perlow was a great role model as well as a great coach. He touched the lives of so many young men in a positive way. He will be greatly missed by more people than he ever realized. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless
The Gatta Family
Michael Butera
November 22, 2020
Coach Perlow
He was a great man. Big personality, big muscles. He was an inspiration and a kind heart in dealing with us during our strength and conditioning as young athletes. He was tough, but we all knew it was to make us better as people.
He thought us life lessons my brother John and I will always remember. He always made himself available to his athletes anytime.
One funny story about him, I was at a track and field meet and was late to the starting line- ( ya’ know high school, girls and priorities ) I came flying around the corner and ran into his muscular frame and fell to the ground. That was the first time he swore ever. It was like hitting a wall of man. He never let me live that down the rest of the season.
Thank you for everything Mr Perlow. God speed.
Our deepest condolences to you all at this time. Know that Coach touched a lot of people in a positive way and made a difference in his athletes he tutored.
Rich Oberman
November 22, 2020
He was a fixture at Holmes Middle School and Wheeling High School where he made a huge impact on the countless individuals he taught and coached. Some of his former students have told me that he was the most influential person in their life. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to know him.
Ryan Mroz
November 22, 2020
Coach Perlow was one of a kind. He supported me in a lot of ways throughout my Junior High and High School years. I'll never forget the time he came to my parents house to get me to wrestle. He will be missed and I am grateful to have had him as a mentor.
Dan O'Conor
November 22, 2020
Coach Perlow was the absolute best. Leading by example, showing hard work produces great results & humor is good for the soul. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family & friends and trust his spirit will remain a guiding force.
Dave Eddy
November 22, 2020
What a great mentor he was to me. Words can’t describe what the impact he had on my life. What a great teacher and coach. He was an amazing human being. I will never forget you! RIP
Student
November 22, 2020
In the words of more than one student.....Wheeling Legend! I hope he knew that. Rest In Peace Coach!
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