The Lord called Manuel back to his home on April 23, 2008. Manuel was born on May 14, 1922 in El Monte California, and moved to Gilroy in 1937. He married his late wife Helen Perez in 1942 and was happily married for almost 50 years. Manuel served in the U.S. Army and fought in the South Pacific. After his military service Manuel worked as a welder for BG. Manuel then began working as a truck driver for Moretti and Georgia Pacific. He retired in 1984. Manuel’s greatest passion was caring and maintaining his vehicles. He took great pride in his cars!
Manuel is preceding his wife Helen Perez, son Manuel E. Perez, parents Eloisa and Eusebio Perez. He is survived by his children Thomas R. (Sandra) Perez, Eloise Perez, Henrietta Perez, and daughter in law Geri Perez. Grandchildren Nicole (Scott) Vallance, Richard (Becky) Perez, Tracy Shampine, Victoria Perez, Victor Vasquez and Elizabeth Dunne.
Great-grandchildren Jody, Jordan, Elyse, Tatyana, Frankie, Christian, Olivia, Richard Jr., Jose Jr. and Ryan. Manuel is also survived by many siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, May 1 from 1:00 P.M. followed by a 7:00 P.M. Rosary at Habing Family Funeral Home. A viewing will also be held on Friday, May 2 8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home followed by a 10:00 A.M. mass at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans.
