Services were held at the Edwards Funeral Home in Bridgeton for William N. "Bill" Perren, 52 of Vineland, formely of Montclair, a self-employed carpet contractor. Mr. Perren died after a long illness

Born and raised in Montclair, he attended public schools and was graduated from Montclair High School with the class of 1961. During middle and high school, he was a member of the track team, where he competed in the 100-yard dash. He was also active in the Jazz Club and formed his own jazz groups which played at parties and other social functions.

An avid musician for most of his life, he played the congas and bongos, specializing in Afro-Cuban jazz, especially the compositions of Mongo Santamaria.

Surviving are his wife, Lois, four sons, Trevor, MIchael, Chris and Jamie; and five daughters, Crystal, Shawna, Sonya, Shabria and Jackie; two brothers, Thomas and Dennis; and three sisters, Phyllis Welsh, Coral "Judy" Davis and Ruth Harris; seven grandchilddren and a host of relatives and other friends.