Obituary of Leonard Gonzalez Perez

Leonardo Manuel Gonzalez Perez, Sr., 92, passed away on March 16, 2011, at The Weatherly Inn at Lake Meridian, Kent Washington. He was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1918. Leonardo immigrated to the United States in 1938, first living in Florida then New York. While in Florida, he met and later married Mary Segarra. Except for his Army service in World War II and Korea, they remained together for approximately 63 years. He was a retired Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army serving in World War II in the China-Burma-India theatre, Korea during the Korean War, and Tehran, Iran. He was very proud that both sons followed him into military service. While in the Army, he became a registered X-Ray Technician. Upon his retirement from the Army in 1965, he and his wife and two sons moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he continued his work as an X-Ray Technician at Scottsdale Baptist Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona, then later with the Maricopa County Health Department. He retired from county service in 1983, and he and Mary moved to Florida. In 1991 they returned to Mesa, Arizona. His wife Mary passed away in January 2003. He remained in Mesa until he moved to Kent, Washington, to live with his son, Manuel G. Perez and Manuel’s Wife, Patricia Johnson-Perez in November 2009. Leonardo enjoyed tinkering around the house, always finding something that needed his attention. He was very good at coming up with little “fixes” to an appliance or cabinet that made it more user friendly, and/or more efficient. Some of his inventions were incredibly simple, while others were very complex. He enjoyed making and eating Cuban black beans, yucca (taro root) with lots of garlic and olive oil, fried plantains (cooking bananas), and anything his wife prepared. He was also very fond of ice cream, especially coconut, and he loved having Cuban coffee every day. He was a very giving man, donating to various charities. He loved a good joke and was always playing practical jokes on friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed playing and watching baseball, and was a very formidable opponent in dominos. Leonardo was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in January 2003, his father Jose Gonzalez de la Fuente; mother, Maria de Pilar Perez Lopez; step-mother Maria Benilda Felicia Perez Lopez; two older brothers, Jose (Pepe) Gonzalez Perez and Casto Gonzalez Perez; and his two younger sisters Nicida de la Cruz Gonzalez Perez and Martha Felicia Benilda Gonzalez Perez. He is survived by his son, Leonardo G. Perez Jr., daughter-in-law Laura Perez, grandson Christopher Perez all of Rindge, New Hampshire; son Manuel G. Perez and daughter-in-law Patricia Johnson-Perez of Kent, Washington; sister Clara Gonzalez de Garcia of Corona, California, and several nieces and nephews. Leonardo was a devoted husband, father to their two sons and their only grandchild. He was always ready to give whatever help was needed to others, never expecting or needing recognition for his actions. He was truly a remarkable man and will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him. His kindness and caring spirit touched all with whom he came in contact; he touched our hearts and we will miss him. He has returned to be with God and his loved ones who passed before him. Memorial donations may be made to your local Veterans Administration Hospital or Alzheimer’s association.