William "Bill" Persico

1935 - 2025

William "Bill" Persico
Born: February 3, 1935
Died: May 30, 2025 in Sarasota, FL
William B. Persico "Bill", age 90, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, in Sarasota, FL. He was born on February 3, 1935, in Caramanico Terme, Pescara, Italy, and emigrated to Joliet at the age of 21, becoming a proud American citizen. He lived in Joliet/Crest Hill, IL until "retiring" to Sarasota, FL in 1993.
He is survived by his daughter, Constance (Mark) Burcar of Shorewood, IL., and is beloved Nonno to Alexandria Burcar of Shorewood, IL. He is also survived by his nephew, Gus (Mary) Persico, and his family of Toronto, Canada.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia (nee Seagrave) Persico, his father, Agostino Persico, his mother, Concetta (nee Persico), stepmother, Angiolina (nee Ultimo), and his brothers, Angelo Persico and Ernesto Persico.
Through Bill's incredible work ethic and belief in himself, he established successful businesses despite having only a 5th-grade education. It didn't matter if it was a birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday; every day was a business day.
His working career spanned from road construction to residential building and development, as well as commercial properties. He and his daughter's mother, Mary "Betty" (Link) Persico, began Persico Paving in 1960. Years later, he was President of W.B. Persico Corp., and President of Perland Corp. He was a member of the national and Joliet Chapter of UNICO. Bill was a past president and current member of the American Italian Cultural Society (AICS), where he enjoyed playing bocce ball with his friends.
Bill's one true joy was boating. He and Sylvia spent much of their time on the water, including 5-6-month boating excursions.
Private services were held on June 6, 2025, in Sarasota. Memorials can be made in Bill's name to the AICS Scholarship Fund, 1918 Donmaur Dr., Crest Hill, IL 60403-1905.
Bill Persico, always and forever a businessman.