Edward Perez |
| Posted 2021-05-21 by mhenderson |
| Published in The Arizona Republic from May 17 to May 19, 2021 - Phoenix, Arizona - Edward "Wardo" Perez, age 77, of Cave Creek, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Ed was born on September 15, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was raised in Morenci, Arizona and returned to Phoenix upon graduating from Morenci High School in 1961. Above all, Ed was a true family man and the patriarch of his family. He was a husband to his high school sweetheart, Helen Perez, a father to Barbara (Phillip - deceased) Bunjovac and Steven Perez, a son to Severo and Mary "Licha" Perez (both deceased), a brother, a Tata (grandfather/great-grandfather), and an uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend to so many. He showed a Christ-like love to all that he interacted with through his lavish generosity and spirit of selflessness. Ed absolutely loved being with his family and always made spending time with them a top priority. Whether it was through attending his grandchildren's sporting events, offering professional or personal assistance to loved ones, or celebrating birthdays and holidays, Ed always made his family feel very loved. Professionally, Ed was a highly skilled and extremely hard-working man. Those who knew him know that he was blessed with the talent to fix anything and that he genuinely loved working and serving others by using his God given gift of a strong work ethic. He was successful in a wide variety of jobs that ranged from him starting humbly as a sanitation worker and produce manager at the local grocer before beginning his remarkable 53-year career as a member of the Local 469 in which he earned the titles of foreman, superintendent, project manager, culminating with him earning the coveted title, Master Plumber. Moreover, Ed earned a college degree through the United Association (U.A.), as well as served the Union by teaching apprentices and preparing them to become journeyman for over a decade. Additionally, Ed distinguished himself in the plumbing community by placing 3rd in the National Union plumber/pipefitter contest in 1972 which was held at Purdue University. His impressive job skills, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit also led him to successfully start and run his own construction company, Code Construction, in which he operated as a general contractor. Ed also dealt with real estate and built numerous beautiful custom homes for him and his wife as well as for many others. Additionally, he was blessed with mathematical and drawing skills which he often lent to assist others professionally through his work, and personally through helping his children and grandchildren during their school years. Ed was also an avid Arizona sports fan and faithfully attended games as a season ticket holder for the Arizona Cardinals (for 30+ years), the Arizona Diamondbacks, and ASU football. He also regularly attended Phoenix Suns games. Additionally, Ed recently spent a portion of his free time beautifully restoring a 1955 Austin Healy which won multiple awards at the Good Guys car show. He also enjoyed traveling, hosting parties, and loving people through random acts of kindness. Ed's generosity was his standout characteristic. He was generous with his love, time, patience, kindness and delicious margaritas and cold Coronas. Ed freely gave to all from his pure heart, never asking for anything in return. His beautiful smile, coiffed hair, and subtle humor are a few of his signature physical attributes that will also be remembered forever. Ed was loved by so many, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. As a man who knew and loved Jesus Christ, we can have hope and a renewed strength knowing that Ed is with his Maker and that we will see him again. Ed is survived by his wife, Helen Perez (58 years of marriage); daughter, Barbara (Phillip - deceased) Bunjovac; son, Steven Perez, grandchildren, Phillip II (Jenny) Bunjovac, Diana (Cale) Genenbacher, Mark (Patricia) Bunjovac; great-grandchildren Cassity, Savannah, Jhett, Viana, Ryal, Andele, and Mark II; brothers, Junior, Henry, Rudy (Dewey), and Ray Perez; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers. Services will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 21st at Fresh Start Church, 14185 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85381. Burial will immediately follow at West Resthaven Cemetery, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301 followed by a reception. Reception location will be announced at the services. All are welcome to attend the services and reception. Flowers can be sent to West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301 or donations can be made to support military Veterans through Team Red, White, and Blue at www.teamrwb.org. See Also: Find A Grave |
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