Rafael Perez Obituary (1942

Rafael Perez was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico in 1942. At the age of 17, he moved to Waukegan, Illinois, where he worked various jobs to earn money to send back home to his parents. His career journey took him to American Motors/Chrysler, where he worked for 33 years, until his retirement in 2004. During his journey, he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife, Gladys. During their 57-year marriage, they welcomed 7 children, 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, which fulfilled his dream of having a large, loving family. Rafael enjoyed spending time with his family. Known as “Papa,” he taught his children the values of love, honor, strength, courage and the understanding that nothing is out of reach if we wanted it. While growing up with Papi, Papi was growing up with his children and grandchildren. Papi was The embodiment of the “American Dream” Rafael is survived by his wife, Gladys M. Perez, his children Sara (Jose), Lucia (Alfredo), Rafael Jr. (Dana), Polly (Pedro), Roberto (Melissa), Jose (Nicole), Rosita (Alberto), and his siblings Ramona, Irma, Sara, Angelo and Roberto Perez. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, the late Jose L. Perez and Lucia Perez, and his precious granddaughter, the late Sammy Perez. We will truly miss you, yet we will continue to celebrate your life by carrying on with the values and life lessons you blessed us with during your lifetime. We will be comforted in knowing that you’re reunited with your parents, Jose Luis Perez and Lucia Peña; and granddaughter, Sammy; and will share in the eternal life that is part of our faith. Rafael’s visitation will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, from 9:00 am till 12 noon at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville. For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.