Darren Ross Perez

August 8, 1986 – May 19, 2011

Darren passed peacefully into Heaven on the morning of May 19, 2011, with his family by his side after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. His beautiful smile and loving personality melted hearts and touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Born on August 8, 1986, in Merced, CA, Darren always lived life to the fullest and thoroughly embraced his personal motto of “Go big or go home”! He attended Golden Valley High School in Merced where he graduated with the class of 2004. It was there that Darren participated in the “First Reponders” course which led him to pursue his dream of becoming a Firefighter. In 2006 he graduated from the Fire Academy and joined the ranks of Volunteer Firefighter with the Merced County Fire Depart. Station 81. After several years of service, he transferred to Merced County Fire Depart. Station 85 McKee where he faithfully served until his passing. During all his years of service, Darren’s passion never waivered. When the call was sounded, Darren answered: “Send Me”. In addition to his firefighting duties, Darren also worked as a waiter for La Hacienda 2 Restaurant in Merced, graciously serving customers for over 8 years.

Participating in a wide variety of sports was another great passion for Darren. Lovingly nicknamed “D. Ross-the Boss” he loved catching big air on his snowboard or dirt bike and he never turned down a challenge. An avid Giants, Lakers, and Broncos fan, his devotion to his teams was always steadfast. Darren was thrilled when his Giants won the 2010 World Series.

But the greatest joy in Darren’s life was his beautiful wife, Danielle, and precious daughter, Madison. His devotion to them as a husband and father was unsurpassed. Family and friends shared in their happiest moment on July 18, 2010 when they wed at sunset on the beach in Sand Dollar, CA.

Althought his time on earth was short, Darren was the “total package” of what every man should be in this life. He set his goals and achieved his dreams. He was our “Braveheart” and left his footprints on every one of our lives.

Darren is preceded in death by his grandfather, Clennis F. Lamons of Le Grand and his infant son, Jace Mason Perez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Danielle Presol-Perez and daughter, Madison; his mother, Laurie Lamons-Pietrzyk and Paul Pietrzyk. He is also survived by his father, Xavier Perez and Christy Blakeman; brother, Brandon Blakeman; grandparents, Guadalupe and Maria Perez; grandmother, Marilyn Lamons of Le Grand and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 East Yosemite Avenue on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private.

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n lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Darren Perez Hospital Fund, West American-Bank Account #0262-97665 or make checks to McKee Volunteer Fire Department, 3360 McKee Road, Merced, Ca 95340-1736 and in memo box put for Darren Perez.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.