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Mario René Pérez passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 in San Antonio, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He was 76 years old. He was born September 30, 1947 in El Paso, TX to René and Concepción Pérez who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Sandra N. Pérez; his children, Gloria Portillo and her husband, Raul, Richard Pérez and his wife, Karla, René Pérez and his wife, Nicole, Yvonne Pérez and her husband, Tobby, Adrian Pérez and his wife, Kathleen; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; his brother, Carlos Pérez and his wife, Margie; and two nephews. Born and raised in El Paso, TX, Mario graduated from Bel Air High School in 1966. During high school he was the lead singer for The Diamonds, a band he was a part of with his brother Charlie. Music was something Mario loved and enjoyed throughout his life. After high school he served in the U.S Navy as a Seaman I rank from 1968 to 1970 aboard the USS St. Clair County. He is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. After his time in the Navy he attended the University of Texas, El Paso, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1974. The following year, in 1975, he married Sandra Pérez and they began their lives together. Upon completion of college, Mario worked for Yellow Freight as an OS&D Clerk for 30 years. After retiring from Yellow Freight in 2006, he went back to UTEP to continue his studies in education. He then began working at Scotsdale elementary school where he worked in the Library, as a P.E. Coach and an assistant teacher in the Pre-K classroom. During this time, he was also a TASO Football official for 30 years, officiating high school football games in El Paso and the surrounding areas. He held the position of crew chief for 10 of these years. He officially retired from work in 2016 and he and Sandra moved to San Antonio in early 2020. Mario was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending all his time with his family, having coached his children in several sports and was always supportive of all their endeavors. He and Sandra had a true partnership, where God was at the center of their marriage and a large part of their lives. He participated in several ministries throughout his life, being involved in Engage Encounter and being a Eucharistic minister in both El Paso and San Antonio. Sandra and Mario enjoyed traveling around the country to visit new places and have new experiences. Going out to eat was a favorite of his. He impacted so many people with his infectious smile, witty jokes and warm personality. Mario led a fulfilling life and will be dearly missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was loved by many and spread joy to so many more. SERVICES Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. followed by the Rosary at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Mission Park Medical Center, 8332 Fredericksburg Road. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou. The Procession will depart the Funeral Home Chapel the same afternoon at 1:30 for the Interment with Military Honors at 2:30 P. M. at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Shelter 4 – see the photo of the map on this tribute), 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.

Tributes

Mario René Pérez

September 30, 1947 - October 30, 2023