Cesar John Perez Jr.

Cesar John Perez, Jr. August 7, 1923 - July 28, 2007 Just shy of his 84th birthday, passed away peacefully in his home on July 28th. He was the unofficial ambassador for the city he loved so passionately until the Sunnyvale Sun newspaper named him "Mr. Sunnyvale" in November, 1994. Cesar was truly one-of-a-kind with a great sense of humor, a big personality and a warm heart. He made a mark in this world as a family man, a business man and a community man and will forever be remembered. Cesar was the only child of Cesar, Sr. and Avelina Perez, who immigrated to the United States from Galicia, Spain. Born in South San Francisco, Cesar's pride of his Spanish heritage remained strong throughout his life. He attended South San Francisco High School and was an all-star basketball player. In 1943, he entered the U.S. Army and trained as a gunner in the 273rd Field Artillery Battalion in General Patton's 3rd Army. Cesar was a proud soldier and talked about his war experiences throughout his life, especially his role in the liberation of France. After the war, Cesar persevered and graduated from Fresno State in 1953. During his college years he was president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After college, Cesar moved to San Mateo and co-founded the Catholic Graduates Club in Palo Alto, where he met and fell in love with his future wife, Mary Suzanne Leach, "my Suzie." Cesar and Sue married in 1959, and soon after planting roots in Sunnyvale, never left. Cesar pursued his professional career in real estate that same year and the first of his four daughters was born that year, as well. Cesar made a great impact on his community. He was owner and broker of Sunnyvale Realty Company for over 40 years. He had many accomplishments. Cesar was president of the Sunnyvale Board of Realtors. He was also vice president and an honorary director for Life for the California Association of Realtors. Always wanting to share his knowledge, Cesar taught real estate night courses at De Anza College in Cupertino. He was a member of St. Simon's Parish. Cesar was active in local Sunnyvale politics leading and joining several campaigns. As Sunnyvale's #1 fan, he encouraged everyone to move to Sunnyvale! Cesar was a devoted husband to Suzie for 42 years and a loving father to Elizabeth Ann (Libby) Ackley, Jacqueline Suzanne (Jackie) Promes, Margaret Avelina Perez and Christina Maria (Chrissie) Strand. He was an extremely caring "Papa" to Shyler and Mia Ackley and Kyle and Natalie Promes and an integral part of their lives. He was a respected mentor and great support to his sons-in-law Steve Ackley, Brian Promes and Kyle Strand, treating them like his own sons. Mr. Sunnyvale lives on in the Perez girls and their families. Cesar, Dad and Papa, we love you with all of our hearts! Visitations will begin on Wednesday, August 1st at 5PM with a Vigil Service at 7pm at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 El Camino Real West, Mountain View. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 2nd at 10am at St. Simon Church 1860 Grant Road, Los Altos. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Cesar's memory to The Parkinson's Institute, 1170 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1605.