albert perez

PEREZ, Albert G.

Albert "AL" G Perez passed away peacefully on January 18, 2018.

Al was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the time the United States of America was at war with Korea. He served three years in the Korean War aboard the attack carrier U.S.S. Essex, Aircraft Carrier CVA-9. During his service in the war he was wounded by enemy fire but never left the war. After he recovered, he resumed his position on the U.S.S. Essex. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged in 1955, and returned to Tucson, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering fromthe University of Arizona. He also attended USC to obtain an advanced engineering license.

While on leave from the war, Al married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia, in 1953. Al and Sylvia moved to California in 1958 and purchased a new home in South El Monte in January 1959. He was employed at this time as an electrical engineer with the State of California. He retired from the State of California in 2000.

Al also became very involved in civic organizations and local government for over 31 years. He was elected as a city council member for the City of South El Monte in April, 1972. He also served as Vice Mayor and Mayor for the City. He and his fellow council members were instrumental and have been credited with building the senior center and bringing many parks to the City. He last served with the City in 2003.

Al also served on many civic organizations and association boards. He was a member of the District Attorney Commission Advisory Council, PTA, League of California Cities, American Legion, California Sheriff's Association, Goodwill Industries, Knights of Columbus, Mid Valley Manpower Consortium, Los Angeles County City Selection Committee. He also served as President of California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) in 1990, the Southern California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (SCJPIA), Los Angeles County Sanitation District and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

Al received the Older American of the Year award for the city of South El Monte in 2002 and has received numerous awards and recognitions from Universities, Federal and State Governments, including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, U.S. Congressman Estaban Torres , U.S. Congressman Matthew Martinez and Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block. He waspersonally invited to Bill Clinton and Al Gore's 1997 Presidential Inauguration.

Al enjoyed many hobbies such as camping, boating, golfing, reading and photography, taking many of the family's treasured photos. He also had a passion for building and fixing things and was always eager to help the community, family or friends with their projects. Al was loved dearly by his family and blessed them with many wonderful memories, great times and wisdom.

Al is survived by Sylvia, his loving wife of 65 years, his 4 children: Debbie Guerra, Catherine Woodland, Esq. (Robert), Albert Perez Jr., Esq. (Lola), and Robert Perez (Kristi); 3 grandchildren: Brian Guerra (Michelle), Amanda Perez, and AJ Perez; and 2 great-grandchildren: Savannah Guerra and Sonny Guerra.

He will always be remembered for his wisdom, positive attitude about life, his kind-heartedness, his willingness to help others, and the positive influence he left on everyone who knew him.

Military burial services will he held in late February at Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, California.