Michael P. Pereira

Michael was born in Oakland, CA, the son of Antonio and Nancy Pereira, longtime Saratoga residents. He died at Santa Clara Kaiser hospital from respiratory failure. Born with a developmental disability, Mike's parents raised him to believe in himself and in his ability to achieve a productive, independent life.

His small stature and gentle, unassuming nature belied his extraordinary courage and resiliency. Throughout his life, Mike never gave in to the daily fears and challenges he faced from the outside world. Though often hurt by unkindness and discrimination, he drew strength from his own sense of self-worth and from the support of his family. He is survived by his siblings: Philip Pereira (Shari) of Salem OR; Donna Krey (Michael) of Campbell; and Andrew Pereira (Debra) of Watsonville, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike graduated from Saratoga High School in 1971 and began a 40-year career with San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) in the South Bay. He quickly mastered the county public transit system, taking buses and light rail to get to and from work, and adamantly refusing rides in even the worst weather. He rarely missed a day on the job.

In 1986, with the purchase of his own condo in Santa Clara, Mike's goal of independent living was fully realized. For more than three decades, with only minimal assistance, he happily enjoyed the triumph of self-sufficiency.

Often underestimated by those who didn't know him, Mike took quiet pleasure in surprising people with correct answers to obscure trivia questions, sports statistics and word puzzle solutions. He had a knack for retaining facts and information gleaned from almanacs, newspapers and his own bus travels around the region. Family members regularly consulted him when they needed driving directions, the date of a relative's birthday or store hours at Valley Fair.

Following the death of his parents and his retirement from SARC, Mike's health began to decline. He moved to San Jose, where he lived in a house with loving and dedicated caregivers who provided expert 24/7 homecare. Mike's family believes the high quality of his care added another decade to his life. We are extremely grateful to Mainstream Support Inc caregivers, Fidelis Warren, Mary Elsbrnd, Alma Robinson, Lorena Perez, Angel Zapata and Tammy Lallier.

The family plans a private graveside service for Michael at a later date.