Leroy Victor Pera
June 9, 1927 - Feb. 7, 2016
Resident of Santa Cruz
Leroy Victor Pera, 88, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, February 7, 2016 with his family at his side after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, the son of Sylvia (Ferrari) and Roy Pera, he was a 2nd generation lifelong resident of Santa Cruz.
Lee spent the early years of his childhood at his grandparents' home on National Street where before attending school he spoke only Italian. He was born into a very musical family and as a young child learned to play the accordion from his uncle, Dave Ferrari. While in high school he formed a band that would play every Friday night at the Women's Club. He performed vocals, and played both the accordion and trumpet while his mom sold snacks and drinks. In his later years Lee would play a polka from time to time when begged to do so by his grandkids, but mostly he loved to sing. He had a beautiful strong voice and could be heard harmonizing above all others with every round of Happy Birthday.
After graduating from Holy Cross High School in 1945, Lee served in the Navy for a short time as WWII was ending. After the war he briefly attended San Jose State, but left school in order to financially help his mother and younger sister. He began his career in the music and vending business while in his early 20's, and with Lido Marietti purchased Santa Cruz Music and Vending in 1959. This was the beginning of a lifelong business partnership.
In 1952 he was introduced to Helen Pazzaglia, a good friend of his sister Marge, and much to both family's delight, they married the following year. Together he and Helen raised their 3 children, after which they enjoyed their long retirement years. Some of Lee's favorite lifetime memories were of a cross-country trip in a VW van, spending time with family and friends in the family's Lake Tahoe cabin, attending theatre performances, especially musicals, and tagging along to support his grandchildren in every activity imaginable from recitals to sport games to picnics at the beach. Lee adored and was adored by all of his grandkids as one of his greatest gifts was the time he spent with them. Family, Lee often expressed, was what made his life rich and complete.
Lee was a lifetime walker. Well into his 80's he could be seen in the early mornings on West Cliff Drive in his blue parka, long thin legs moving at an impressive clip. When he was no longer strong enough to walk far, Lee together with Helen enjoyed senior exercise classes, lunches downtown, and weekly movies.
Lee leaves his wife of 62 years, Helen Pera, daughters Noreen Pera-Schwartz (James) and Catherine Pera Brown (Tom), son David Pera (Laurie), 10 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Roy Pera, sister, Margaret DeRego, and infant daughter, Mary.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dominican Home Health, PAMF Palliative Care, and Hospice of Santa Cruz County. They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Lee's loving caretakers – Angelica, Lita, Estela and Rosie. It was through their skilled and compassionate care that Lee remained comfortably at home.
Services will be private. Cards of condolence may be sent to Helen Pera, c/o Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. You may also express your condolences or share a memory of Lee with his family by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of Lee's favorite charities:
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation www.oif.org
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
diabetesfoundation.jdrf.com/info/jdrf/
• Salvation Army donate.salvationarmyusa.org

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