Michael Perlow

On May 4, 2023, the much beloved Michael Perlow died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family. He is survived by his loving family including his wife Sandra Perlow, his son Lloyd Perlow (Kate Thomas), his daughter Julie Perlow, his son-in-law Eric Greene, grandchildren, Katelyn Perlow, Andrew Perlow, Noah Greene, Jared Greene, step grandson Henry Bonzak, sister Judith Mack, and brother Mark Perlow. Michael and Sandra's young family grew up in Wilmette, Illinois where he was very much involved in the community, especially the Wilmette Little League Baseball Association.
Michael received his bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in business. Michael made dear, life-long friends at the University of Wisconsin many through the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Michael went on to Northwestern University Law School, where he received his juris doctorate. Midway through law school Michael took a one-year break enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Michael began his career as a lawyer, but was soon redirected to his original passion, the stock market. He began as a stockbroker at Omni Management and within a few years had established his lifelong business Westwood Management Corporation, where he was an investment manager. He grew the practice by working hard, constantly reading, attending daily company meetings, and most importantly establishing friendships and relationships inside and outside the Chicago business community. Large wealth individuals seemed to come to Michael by word of mouth, friendships, and civic engagement in the City of Chicago. He was known as a brilliant stock picker and a man of integrity. Michael's employees at Westwood, Peter Goldman, Cindy Moody, and Donna Milas were devoted to him and Westwood as he was to them, which also made Westwood Management a successful company.
While he found great joy and passion in his work, he also had many outside lifelong pursuits. He was actively involved in numerous social justice organizations including, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the Illinois Holocaust Museum, along with the Jewish United Fund. Over the years he held several Board positions at the ADL. He also generously devoted time mentoring and fostering relationships with the younger members involved in these organizations.
Michael, along with his wife Sandra, who is a professional artist and art teacher, had a keen interest in cultural activities and the arts, enjoying art museums, plays, movies, and the opera. In his spare time, he was an avid reader of newspapers, enjoyed reading history, and going to live sports events, especially baseball games.
Michael was dedicated to his family and got great pleasure out of spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking many family trips together.
For many, what they will remember most profoundly about Michael was his keen interest in the lives of other people. He listened intently and remembered with great accuracy the details of people's lives. He cared about the well-being of others and showed generosity and kindness, mentoring and encouraging younger generations to pursue their interests and dreams. He will be greatly missed by many.
Service Monday, 10:30 a.m. CT at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago. The service will be livestreamed on Michael's webpage at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. Interment Shalom Memorial Park, Arlington Heights. Contributions may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.