Enrique Perez

Enrique Perez, Sr., a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Ocala, Florida. He was 99.5 years old.

Affectionately known as "E.P.," "Henry," or "Quique," Enrique was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, on January 7, 1927, to Monserrate Perez Torres and Alfonsa Santiago Gracia.

E.P. leaves behind a profound and inspiring legacy of hard work and self-determination. At just 18 years old, he left Puerto Rico for Miami, Florida, where he discovered his lifelong passion for aviation. Starting at the very bottom cleaning airplanes at American Airmotive at the Miami Airport, his sharp mind and work ethic propelled him through the ranks. He successfully mastered the United States FAA Airman’s coursework and testing to become a licensed FAA Airman, eventually rising to Chief Mechanic. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, he later founded his own successful business, D & E Cylinders, Inc., in Hialeah, Florida, supplying propeller aircraft engines to companies worldwide.

It was during his years building his business that Enrique met the love of his life, Norma Etta Roberts. They married, raised a beautiful family of four children, and worked side-by-side running their business for 17 years.

Upon retirement, E.P. and Norma relocated to Delco, North Carolina. After losing his beloved wife too early to cancer and following the devastating floods of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Enrique relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to live with his daughter Cheryl and her family for over 25 years. Finally settling in Orlando, FL to be closer to his children and extended Perez family. In 2024, E.P. moved to his daughter Michele’s home in Ocala, Florida. Michele served as his dedicated primary caregiver along with the support of her family for over two years as he journeyed through Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A special thank you to Hospice for their support.

Enrique was a man who vibrantly celebrated life. He absolutely loved gathering with family and friends for special events, where he would joyfully play his guitar and sing as loud as he could. He was famously known for his moving renditions of his signature song, “En Mi Viejo San Juan.” Above all, Enrique’s life was anchored by his deep faith. Because he confessed and believed in Jesus as his Savior, his family takes ultimate comfort in knowing that his final home address is Heaven.

Enrique was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Norma Etta Roberts-Perez of Freeman, North Carolina; his son, Enrique "Ricky" Perez, Jr.; and his four siblings.

His memory will be forever cherished by his surviving daughters and their husbands: Wanda O’steen and Steve O’steen; Cheryl Ann Perez-Woods; Thesia Michele Lipka and Kevin Lipka. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren who called him “Pop-Pop”: Christopher Ellean Perez, Daniel Bryant Gray, Enrique Trenton Perez, Kyle Dean Lipka, Austin Michael Lipka, Gabriella Grace Lipka, Lucas Swenson Woods, and Lyndsey Raquel Woods. He leaves a lasting legacy in his great-grandchildren: Gabriel Bryant Gray, Ella Annie-Marie Bryant, Kennedy Hope Gray, Amelia Ruby Gray, Hudson Enrique Gray, Emmie Jean Perez, Enrique Jonah Perez, Asa Dean Lipka, Lucy Dawn Lipka and #10 due in January 2027.

Service Information

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Enrique's life on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, located at 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, with Dr. Kenneth Benton officiating.

• Visitation: 10:30 AM

• Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 AM

Following the service, Enrique will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at Delco Cemetery, located on Delco Cemetery Road, Delco, NC 28436.