John Perez

John Perez, 82, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday afternoon, January 27, 2010 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was Chairman of the Board of Perez Trading Company, a well-respected international sales organization offering products and services to the graphic arts industries throughout Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and southern United States for over 60 years.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on October 22, 1927 of Spanish immigrants, he spent his youth in La Coruna, Galicia, Spain with his parents and three siblings. He returned to Elizabeth with his family in 1937 at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and was sent to Germany assisting in the reconstruction of the country. Upon his return, he attended the New York University Latin American Institute, receiving a degree in International Trade. During this time he courted and married his life-long partner, Grace Lopes Perez, on April 7, 1951. They had four beautiful children together and resided in Colonia, New Jersey for over 20 years.

His professional career began in New York City in 1951 with McLaurin-Jones in their export department. In 1956, he joined Alberto Perez (no relation) at Perez Trading Company, eventually purchasing the assets in 1968 and relocating the company to Miami, Florida in 1980. Perez Trading remains today privately held and is considered one of the premier export trading companies specializing in printing, writing and communication papers, consumer packaging boards, industrial packaging boards and pre-press, press and post-press equipment.

Serving as Chairman of Perez Trading up to his time of death, John spent 54 years in the international market developing wonderful, long-standing relationships and endearing friendships with his many customers and suppliers. His support for the Graphic Arts Industry throughout Latin America is legendary and testament to his vision of a global marketplace.

Throughout his successful career, he remained a humble and decent man with a passionate sense of fairness, integrity and work ethic. His legacy lives on in the strong values, direction and commitment of his family and colleagues at Perez Trading Company.

He was predeceased by his son, Philip. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Grace; his three children: Roberta, John David, and Carl; daughter-in-laws: Angela and Lenora; and grandchildren: Jared, Dylan, Carla, Leanna and John Joseph. He is also survived by siblings Manuel, Jose Ramon (Ray), and Josefa Amparo Gonzalez, and many well-loved extended family members and friends.

His memory will live in our hearts forever and may God grant him eternal peace.

Funeral arrangements have been made at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. A viewing will take place on Monday, February 1st from 5:00 9:00 PM. There will be a service held on Tuesday, February 2nd at St Gregorys Catholic Church, 200 N. University Drive, Plantation, Fl. 33324 beginning at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to CURED (Center for Urologic Research Education and Diseases) and sent to Mark Soloway MD, Dept. of Urology, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. P.O. Box 016960 (M814), Miami, Fl. 33101. Donations can also be made on line at https://www.urology.med.miami.eduhttp://videos.lifetributes.com/116467