Stephen Joseph Perez

LCpl. Stephen Joseph Perez age 22 of San Antonio died April 13, 2006 doing what he wanted to do, serve his country in Iraq. He was a 2002 graduate of St. Anthony Catholic High School and attended St. Mary's University. LCpl Perez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. in 2003. He was a member of the Regimental Combat Team 5, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, B Company with service in Al Karma, Iraq. LCpl Perez received several medals while serving in the United States Marine Corps and these include the Purple Heart, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, 2nd Award. Stephen was fun loving, kind hearted, and he greatly impacted the lives of every one who knew him. His laughter could be heard miles away. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Estella Pena and his paternal grandmother, Margarita Perez. LCpl Perez is survived by his mother, Diana Perez; father, Conrado Perez, Jr., brother, Kenneth Perez and wife, Misty; nephew, Nikolas Perez; maternal grandfather, Antonio Pena; paternal grandfather, Conrado Perez, Sr.; aunts, Annette Gremmer and husband, Jay, and Jeanette Lynch and husband, Lex; cousins, Cassie, Brandon, A.J. and Jayson; girlfriend, Vanessa York; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will begin Friday, April 21, at 5:00 PM with the Rosary to be recited at 7:30 PM at St. Anthony's Catholic High School Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered Saturday, April 22, at 9:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic High School Chapel. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Stephen's memory to BAMC Mailroom, Powless Guest House, Attn: Soldier Family and Assistance Center, 3851 Roger Brooke Dr., Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6200. Condolences may be sent to the Perez family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. He will always be remembered as our hero. Arrangements by: The Angelus Funeral Home.