Emilio A. Perez

Emilio Perez, also affectionately known as “El Wilson,” “El Buen Amigo” y “El My Friend,” the guiding light of his family, sadly departed this earth on July 13, 2022.

Emilio was one of 11 siblings, born to Refugio Perez and Margarita Alanis on July 16, 1961 in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico. Emilio grew up in his hometown where he proudly attended school as long as he could, played soccer, performed in a cumbia band called “Caribe 2000” and worked hard from a tender age as an albañil (builder) & contratista (contractor) to help support his family. He made a life long commitment to his childhood sweetheart, Dolores, at a very young age. The two of them celebrated their 40 year anniversary on January 7, 2022.

In the early 80s, around the time his first daughter was born, Emilio made the difficult and life changing decision to follow the “American Dream” by crossing over to the USA for the first time. He was a brave man who sacrificed it all to give his children and entire family an opportunity.

Emilio and Dolores raised their three children, Olga, Albert and Omar in what was then the sleepy city of Austin, Texas. During most of his life in the US, Emilio worked for the Austin Independent School District at Zilker Elementary School. A job he loved and he remained loyal to until the end. Emilio retired on May 31, 2022, after 20 years of service.

Emilio was the kind of dad who taught his children by example. He regularly encouraged his children to value education and hard work but most of all to be humble and kind. His inspirational words of advice and down to earth manner were always a comfort to his family. He attended his beloved ESL classes for many years and was known to encourage others to attend themselves and to pursue other self growth and development opportunities. Though he held a bond with each of his children, he was especially close to his youngest son, Omar. They regularly played pool, watched movies and sporting events, and grilled together.

Throughout his life he remained committed to returning to his hometown in Mexico. He regularly visited, and invested in the community and the people. Emilio was beloved by many. He created wonderful memories with his siblings, family and friends. He was known for his kind nature and for greeting everyone by saying “hola campeón” (hello champion).

Emilio will be remembered for always willing to sit down and listen over a cup of cafesito; for his affinity to Cruz Azul; for being an avid pool player; for regularly and routinely jogging 2-4 miles; for willingly helping others with their construction projects; for his mechanical inclinations including fixing lawn mowers/weed eaters as a hobby and for gently reminding his children que “tomar es malo.” He gave his life, heart and soul to helping his entire family and frankly to anyone who he met him. He was the quiet and loving strength and the backbone of the entire Perez-Alanis family. Always working in the background to peacefully mend any differences and strengthen family ties. He was also a loving son and a grandfather to two.

We will always remember his strength, humility, advice and most of all his kindness towards all.

He was predeceased by his father, Refugio Perez and his siblings, Alberto Perez y Reyna “Reinita” Perez. He is survived by his mother, Margarita Alanis; his wife, Dolores Perez; his three children Olga Perez, Alberto Perez and Omar Perez; two grandchildren Morrison Rendon and Elias Perez. He is also survived by his siblings Jose Perez, Maria De Refugio “Cuca” Perez, Gabriel “Chayo” Perez, Miguel “Pansas” Perez, Angel Perez, Rafael “Rafita” Perez, Concepcion “Concha” Perez and Elizabeth “Chavela” Perez.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 23 at Austin Memorial Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Perez family.