Jose Luis "Pepe" Perez

Jose Luis “Pepe” Perez, 75, of Del Rio, Texas passed away on May 8th, 2025 peacefully surrounded by his immediate family. Born on March 9th, 1950, Pepe was the beloved son of Gustavo Sanchez Perez and Alicia Nuno Perez. As a young man, Pepe began developing his hard work ethic that would embody his career as an adult. He held multiple jobs such as working as a bellhop at the Roswell Hotel and spending summers as a migrant worker in Iowa with his family. A proud graduate of Del Rio High School in 1969, Pepe pursued a bachelor’s degree at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1972.. After completion of his bachelor’s degree, Pepe returned home to Del Rio where he would go on to serve the Del Rio Community as an educator, for over 50 years. While teaching, Pepe completed his Master’s degree in 1977 with a Reading Specialist Certificate from Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas. A majority of his tenure was spent working for the SFDRCISD where he taught many grade levels from elementary to high school. Pepe had many opportunities to pursue further degrees to move up in the ranks as an administrator in his years as an educator but instead chose to continue his true passion of teaching his students in the classroom. He felt like this was the best way to make a difference in their future lives. Late in his career, Pepe was given an opportunity to teach 4th and 5th grade students at Sacred Heart Catholic School. After prayer and reflection, he gladly accepted, as he felt this was something he was called to do. Pepe was married to his high school sweetheart, Rosalinda "Rossi" V. Perez for over 52 years. Together they raised 3 children: Jose Luis “Joey” Perez Jr., Steven Perez, and Brian Perez. His absolute pride and joy came when his only grandson, Elijah Brian Perez was born. Elijah would lovingly refer to him as “Grandpa Pepe”. He also took pride in the fact that all three of his boys received college degrees; his first-born, Joey from the University of Texas in San Antonio, his beloved identical twins Brian and Steven from Texas A&M in College Station and Brian who obtained a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Throughout the years, Pepe enjoyed hobbies such as softball, bowling, table tennis, bunco, and coaching baseball. He would often be found walking at night time for exercise, trying to win the next jackpot at bingo, barbecuing for his family on Sundays, and playing and dancing to Tejano music. Pepe was dedicated to extracurricular school activities to help students continue their growth beyond his school periods. He enjoyed mentoring students in UIL Academic activities, that included "spelling" and "dictionary skills". He also participated in SFDRCISD athletics via scorekeeping for over 20 years. In later years, Pepe surrounded himself with family activities such as the card game 31, Loteria and dice games. He also enjoyed Astros baseball, Texas A&M athletics and playing cars and tractors with his grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gloria P. Moreno, brother Gustavo Alfonso Perez and in-laws Juan Manuel and Socorro Valadez. He is survived by his wife and three sons; daughter-in-law Elizabeth (Brian) and grandson Elijah; sister and brother-in-law, Maria Alicia Johnson and husband James R. Johnson of Sylmar, CA, and brother and sister-in-law Carlos Perez and wife Velma Perez of Del Rio. Pepe is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces from California to Texas. There are simply too many to name but Pepe loved all of them dearly. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 307 E. Losoya St., Del Rio, Texas 78840. A Holy Rosary will take place at 6:30 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 307 E. Losoya St., Del Rio, Texas 78840. Officiating will be Father Jose Manuel Otaolaurruchi. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery, located at 5144 U.S. Hwy 90 E., Del Rio, Texas 78840. Pallbearers will be: Ryan Luna, Ricardo Najera Sr., Eddie Mendez, Gabe Martinez Sr., Mike Moreno Sr., Richard Vann, Felix Sauceda, and Raul Celedon Sr. Honorary Pallbearers will be all Sacred Heart Catholic School students and staff, as well numerous family members and friends. Pepe had a gift for making people feel special with his big heart and his even bigger sense of humor. Being around him always meant smiles and good memories. His faith in God and his love for his family were at the heart of everything he did and that’s the legacy he leaves with all of us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sacred Heart Catholic School, in memory of him. Click on the following link to donate: https://www.shsdelrio.org/donate/

Jose Luis "Pepe" Perez

March 9, 1950 - May 8, 2025