Steve F. Perez "Papa"

A Life Well Lived

Steve Francis Perez of Jacksonville, Florida died September 23, 2019 at the age of 97 while under the care of St. Vincent’s South in Jacksonville.

Steve was born on February 25, 1922 in Jacksonville, Florida, the 2nd child of Gustavo G. Perez and Jessie Ortegus. He was raised along with several of his 13 siblings during the trying times of the great depression. In 1939, with the world in turmoil, he enlisted in the Army. Although stationed at various military bases, he somehow managed to marry the love of his life, Phyllis, on July 29, 1941. In early 1945, Steve became one of the first Sergeants to train an entire company of all Japanese American troops. He was discharged in October 1945 as part of the military’s demobilization just 40 days following the unconditional surrender of Japan and the end of WWII.

Steve spent most of his life raising and supporting his growing family. He began his (post military) career by working as an installer of linoleum and vinyl products. His natural leadership abilities led him to manage various distribution businesses for ceramic, marble, quarry and related tile products. He opened his own tile distribution company, The Tile Center, in the mid-1970s which he sold in 1982.

Steve’s influence, care and support of his family…were endless. He built various houses, barns, porches and play houses. He installed windows, doors, plumbing and fireplaces. He took care of all the grandkids with their dogs, cats, horses and even one ornery iguana…always at the beck and call of his family and at the “every-day low price” of free.

He was a devoted husband, wonderful father and beloved grandfather. He is survived by his children (spouse), Mary Phyllis (Mel), Steve (Cynthia) and Helen; grandchildren, Michele, Donna, Melanie (Kevin), Adam (Christina), Rachel, and Heather (Jimmy); great grandchildren, Meagan, Reed and Tulsa Rose; and his brothers / sisters, Gus, Isabell, Angela, Agnes and Richard.

A celebration of his life and cremation service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park Chapel (www.HGRiversideFuneralHome.com) located at 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chris Pruitt officiating. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m.