OBITUARY Charles H. Perez September 4, 1938 – January 17, 2019 Play Tribute Movie Charles Hendrik Pérez, age 80, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 17, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents, whom he adored, Miguel Angel Pérez and Bertila (Mendivil) Pérez. He leaves the love of his life, Bettina (Montaina), with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, his children, Michael and his wife Lynne of Marblehead, Anthony and his wife Dana of Haleiwa, Hawaii, Elizabeth Perez Wilson and her husband Tom of Worcester, Massachusetts, and his grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas, whom he cherished.
He also leaves his big brother, Robert Pérez and his wife Herma of Ridgewood, New Jersey and many nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved by his family and many friends. Born in Havana, Cuba, he came to the United States in 1943, but returned regularly to Cuba to visit family and friends there, until the Cuban revolution.
Throughout his life, he was proud of his Cuban heritage. His family settled in New York City, growing up in the “Inwood” neighborhood of Manhattan. He was very gregarious and made lifelong friendships as a child in New York City.
During the heyday of the New York Yankees, he became a fan, and always enjoyed baseball, proudly saying he was a Red Sox fan only until September. Charles was a star athlete, as a swimmer and football player (tight end), being named a NYC All City football player. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and attended University of Toledo on a football scholarship.
Alas, he left his heart in New York and transferred to City College of New York, where he met his wife, Bettina. After graduation, he became a draftsman and worked full-time, while raising a family and attending Columbia University, where he received his B.A. of Architecture. His career as an architect brought the family to Massachusetts where he worked for Stull & Lee Associates, Boston and spent most of his career, ultimately as a Principal.
He worked on many visible public works projects including the rehabilitation of South Station, Ruggles Street Station, Flushing Station (Queens), Boston Police Headquarters, and the Columbia Point Housing Project. The family settled in Marblehead, where he enjoyed the ocean and the town’s history, and buying and rebuilding an antique house, as the family homestead. An avid runner, bicyclist and athlete throughout his life, he competed in many running events including completing two Boston Marathons.
He competed well into his sixties often winning in his age group. After he retired from running, he was usually found at Leap Fitness, working out. His greatest joy in life was his wife, family and friends, to which he devoted himself.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.
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