Obituary of Gerardo Perez, Jr.
Gerardo Perez, Jr.
Age 65, of Shorewood, IL, passed away on August 1, 2024 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL. He was born September 18, 1958 in Aurora, IL, the son of Natalia (Delgado Mieles) and Gerardo Perez, Sr. He spent his childhood in Hatillo, Puerto Rico where he learned from his grandparents, Julio and Dominga, the virtues of hard work and caring for family.
Survived by his lady, Paula Ann Clemens; children, Marcos (Noelle) Perez, Elizabeth Perez, Alexander (Lauren Reyna) Perez, and Helena (Nick DeZee) Perez, Melissa (Andre) Disera, Gina Mendoza, Kati Budde; grandchildren, Liliana, Aria, Victoria Perez, Andre, Oscar, and Camron Perez, Willow Reyna, Alexander, Jr., Mariah, and Ariel Perez, Dominick and Lukas DeZee, Angelo and Aliyah Disera, Ciara and Ryan Mendoza Jr., Rylan Budde and Emma Webb; and brother, Jose Manuel Perez. Many nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive.
Preceded in death by parents; son, Gerardo “Junito” Perez, III; granddaughter, Ayla Perez; and sister, Gladys Perez Delgado.
Gerardo was the ultimate family man, taking the time to teach his children many life lessons and skills. He taught them how to drive, change the oil in the car, and how to change a tire. He encouraged them to stand up for themselves, not to accept disrespect, and was the best protective parent. His grandchildren were his biggest joy! He would be the first to feed them “real” food and sneak them coffee.
He loved to play and make people laugh. His kids were all taught how to play dominos and remember the many hands of Euchre that were enjoyed over the years. He was also a prankster, ask his family how many silverware sets he snuck into purses at dinners. He also enjoyed spontaneous road trips with the love of his life, his “Lady” Paula.
Gerardo was a selfless man who lived by example and the “Golden Rule- Do unto others as they would do unto you.” He worked for the Kipling Group for over 30 years and would help the residents of the properties he worked at, no matter the time of day or night. He was very handy and could fix anything in the house or on the car.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Visitation for Gerardo Perez, Jr., will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Service at 7:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
