Philip Perales

Felipe Philip Perales, a beloved educator and family man, died June 12, 2023, from a long illness. He was 89. Perales was born June 17, 1933, in Riverside, Calif., to Melquiades Perales and Cruz Flores. The second oldest of six children, Perales and his family worked the fields of Riverside picking oranges, but his talent and passion for music would eventually land him a full ride to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, earning a degree in music in 1956. Perales served with the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division Band from 1955 until 1957 and was stationed in Korea. Following the service, Perales began a career in education teaching music, P.E. and Spanish at all grade levels, first on a Native American reservation near Phoenix, then the Garden Grove Unified School District for 41 years, spending much of his time at Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove. He would retire from Irvine Intermediate in 2003. Perales’ passions included gardening, caring for his beloved animals and reading, especially mystery thrillers and historical recordings of Pancho Villa and Mexico. He was also an accomplished martial artist, studying under Master Robert Trias and earned a black belt in the style of Shōrei-ryū. Perales would go on to teach the craft at his Stanton-based dojo; founded the California Federation of Black Belts; and ran and produced karate tournaments across the region, inspiring a new generation of martial artists like many he knew, including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Mike Stone. Perales is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, and is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gina of Yorba Linda; daughter, Shanna of San Carlos; and many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren. A celebration of life will take place at 10:15 a.m. Friday, July 14 at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside 92518. A private reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Perales’ name to Disabled American Veterans at dav.org or Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriors.org.