Manuel Victor Perez

Manuel Victor Perez was born in Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico on May 9, 1927. He came to the United States when he was three years old. His mother, Maria, and father, Manuel, raised six children. The Perez children were a tight knit group, Wilma the oldest followed by Manuel, Frank, Teddy, Henry and Lupe, were very close and remained so throughout their lives.

Manuel grew up in Los Angeles where he met Celia Leon and fell head over heels for her. They married on July 23, 1950 and moved to Norwalk to raise their seven children: Michael, Mary Ellen, Susan, Cecilia, Manuel, Joseph and Paul.

He was employed by the Sears Company for over 30 years where he excelled as a carpet salesman because of his friendly demeanor and love of people. After 30 years he retired and moved with Celia to a new home in Banning.

In Banning he began volunteering at HELP, a food pantry and thrift store that provided food and clothing to low-income families in the community. He loved this work and continued helping for more than 10 years which included serving as the Vice President.

Sadly, after 54 years of marriage, Celia passed away suddenly on December 29, 2004. Devastated by the loss, Manuel found comfort in a sweet lady, Josephine. They married on July 9, 2005 and lived together happily for 19 years before his passing on July 2, 2024.

Manuel was a very happy man who enjoyed his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and almost every person he met.

May he rest in peace!

A catholic funeral mass for Manuel will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Kateri Catholic Church, 1234 Palm Ave, Beaumont, California 92223. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California 92518.