Dr. Lautaro Gabriel Perez

Dr. Lautaro Gabriel Perez passed away surrounded by his family at Duke University Hospital on November 10th, 2020 at the age of 66. He was born to the late Lautaro Gabriel Perez Gomez and Graciela del Carmen Sanchez Herrera in Santiago, Chile on June 30th, 1954.

"Gabe" or "Larry", as friends and family knew him, was a globe-trotter who loved cooking, watching football, spending time at the beach, singing and dancing to music, dressing sharply, and being active. Gabe dedicated his life's work to AIDS and HIV research with multiple contributions to understanding HIV pathogenesis and aiding with HIV prevention. Most recently, Dr. Perez postponed his planned July retirement to assist in the rapid development of a specialized technology needed to facilitate FDA approval of effective COVID-19 vaccines.

He was a hardworking, funny, caring and loving husband, father and friend. He made rituals like pumpkin carving and Halloween extra special. He also loved being in charge of cooking and ensuring a grand feast on each Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Virginia Suarez, and his three daughters; Carolina, Amanda and Gabriela. Also by his sister, Mildred Perez, nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held on November 18th, at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, NC at 11am.

Arrangements with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary, NC.