Felipe R. Perea

Felipe R. Perea, 60, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 14, 2010. He was our beloved husband, father and grandfather. He grew up in Martineztown. He became a teacher and taught at Garfield Middle School and Valley High School. He was also a counselor at both Albuquerque High and Valley High Schools. During the early 1980's he was the hearing officer for the District's North Area. In 1985 he was appointed principal at School on Wheels where he remained for nearly 25 years. He enjoyed his job immensely, loved his students and teachers and built, with the help of his staff, a viable and rich academic alternative setting for at-risk students. He was admired and respected by the APS community and had many friends. Felipe lived in the present and found joy and humor in everyday simple things. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Rita; children, Philippe and wife, Yvette, Ben, Jennifer and husband, Ivan Olguin. He had ten grandchildren whom he adored, Santos, Roman, Paige, Merissa, Morgan, Ben Jr., Heaven, Jude, Javier, and Estevan. They called him "Popo". He was preceded in death by his mother, Tillie Perea, father, Paul Perea and brother, Lee Perea. He is also survived by a brother, Paul Jr., and sisters, Margaret Martinez and Judy Maes and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Clyde Archibeque, Floyd Martinez, Gabriel Garcia, Nicholas Apodaca, Joe Apodaca, and Phillip Apodaca. In lieu of flowers, please make donations at any Wells Fargo Bank to the "Felipe R. Perea, School on Wheels, Scholarship Fund." Rosary will be recited on Monday, March 29, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE.