Search by Name

Search by Name

STEVEN PEREZ Obituary

PEREZ Dr. Steven John Perez Internal Medicine, Ret. USAF Col., died on May 7, 2020, from Covid-19. Steve was born in London, England on March 12, 1952 to parents Ernie and Stella Perez. An Air Force brat, he moved from place to place until he graduated from Sacramento State University in 1974, and USC School of Medicine in 1978, and completed his residency in Phoenix, Arizona in 1981. From there, he served as a Flight Surgeon and Medical Director in the Air Force Medical Service Corps in Japan and Spain until he became a military physician to Presidents Reagan and H.W. Bush from 1986-1990. Realizing he couldn't do better than being the President's doctor in the USAF, he went into private practice in San Antonio, Texas (which he always called God's country). He moved back to Virginia and opened the Medical Center of Annandale, which he ran from 1995 until his untimely death from Covid-19. He was also an associate professor of medicine at University of Virginia and mentored medical students from UVA, Georgetown, and GWU for more than a decade. Never forgetting a promise he made to God, he never refused medical aid to the poor who came to his office, even accepting yams as payment on occasion. He is survived by his wife, Margie; his sons Ted (wife Christine), Benny (wife Michelle), Jonny (wife Carrie); his stepson Ian; his siblings Lynn, Mike, and Phil; his previous wife Marsha; and his father Ernie. He has three grandchildren, Mary Ashley, Mark, and Elizabeth whose photos and stories he would share with prospective friends in the checkout line, and two more grandsons on the way. He was often found reading to, cheering for, or bragging about his grandchildren. He could make anyone laugh, knew just what to say, and showed profound love for his friends and family. Every person he met felt like they were the reason he was there. No matter the challenge, he made you feel like you could do it. Steve was a devoted fan of USC Trojan football, Dallas Cowboys, and his beloved Nationals, whom he got to see win the World Series. He joins his mother and brother, Paul, in Heaven. A drive through memorial will be open to the public, it will be hosted by the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA on May 22, please check the tribute page at www.everlywheatley.com. Please send memories to [email protected]">[email protected]. Due to the Coronavirus, a private internment has been arranged. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at https://alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or Catholic Mission Trips, Inc. at catholicmissiontrips.net/support/ Find a quiet scenic overlook and enjoy a Guinness while listening to Hawaiian slack key guitar music as a tribute to him. A drive through memorial will be open to the public, it will be hosted by the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA on May 22, please check the tribute page at www.everlywheatley.com. Please send memories to [email protected]. Due to the Coronavirus, a private internment has been arranged. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at https://alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or Catholic Mission Trips, Inc. at catholicmissiontrips.net/support/ Find a quiet scenic overlook and enjoy a Guinness while listening to Hawaiian slack key guitar music as a tribute to him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN PEREZ

Not sure what to say?





Terry Powers

May 7, 2022

Terry Powers

May 7, 2022

Terry Powers

May 7, 2022

Terry Powers

May 7, 2022

Hard to believe he has been gone for two years. He was a truly special guy and a great doctor. We went to Balboa High School in the former Panama Canal Zone. He graduated the summer before I started, so we did not meet until 35 years later when he became my doctor. What a surprise to meet someone out of the blue that had shard the life in the old CZ. Miss him and his staff, they were all a little family, not something you see in medical care these days. A few pictures from the high school days, he was a very good football player too !

A "Mola" from Panama, Dr Perez and I made the Panama Canal Zone connection on day when I was in one of his exam rooms and I asked him about a Mola he had hanging on the wall... Small World...

Terry Powers

May 7, 2021

My first real personal doctor, I guess I had not realized what a difference it makes to have a doctor who knows you for a long time, having been and Army Brat and on active duty and seeing whatever doctor was on duty. He was a very very exceptional human being. We were both graduates of Balboa High School, Balboa, US Panama Canal Zone. He was calls of 1970, I was class of 1972. We did not attend together but it was very unusual to meet a fellow graduate from a place and time so far ago. I think of him often, he was a great guy and his practice treated all patients like they were family, also unusual these day. I am usre his family, to include his office staff 'family' and his patient 'family' all miss him as much as I do. --- I added a photo, here is the rest of the story --- "A "Mola" from Panama, Dr Perez and I made the Panama Canal Zone connection on day when I was in one of his exam rooms and I asked him about a Mola he had hanging on the wall... Small World..."

William H Robinson

January 27, 2021

I want his family to know that notice of his passing brought me to tears. He was so kind and loving in treating my terminally-ill son Randy. I have rarely seen such kindness. It meant a great deal to me and to Randy. I will remember Dr. Perez with immense gratitude, as I remember the passing of my own beautiful son. They are both great losses to the humanity which we need so much during these troubling times. His office aide Harriet was also very kind and helpful.

Shuntai Zhou

October 28, 2020

I was shocked to learn that Dr. Perez passed away when I read the closure notice sent to me today. He had been my family doctor for twenty some years. He was so nice a gentleman and a great doctor. Every time when I saw him he liked to chat with me on various topics. He was in very good health. He told me last year that he was not ready to retire. I could not believe that I will no longer see him in his office. Dr. Perez, I will miss you.

Shuntai Zhou
Fairfax, VA

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Shuntai Zhou

Planted Trees

Patrick Shannon

October 26, 2020

I just learned of The death of Dr. Perez today via a notice regarding my medical records. It is so shocking to process. He was a great doctor - skilled, compassionate, and understanding. Never rushed you and wanted to know how you we’re doing. I remember asking him why the “It’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere” sign was removed from the lobby - he said that some patients thought it may have encouraged the wrong behavior giving me a wink and a smile. He will be greatly missed.

Carol Loftur-Thun

August 12, 2020

Our family just found out that our friend and family doctor Dr. Perez passed away from COVID-19 back in May, and we are both stunned and very saddened. I first started seeing Dr. Perez back in 1998, and then over the years my husband and two daughters became his patients too. He was unique—an old fashioned doctor in the very best sense in his commitment to the practice of medicine and to his patients. He treated the whole patient, and provided empathy, support and a bit of wry humor whenever I was going through difficult life circumstances. He saw me personally through very puzzling and rare conditions, and referred me to the best doctors when I was so very ill, without ever making me feel like it was all in my head as doctors sometimes do. Four years ago, I called him as he was getting on a plane to go see his dad, and over the phone he nailed the diagnosis for my daughter who was hospitalized when the hospital docs couldn’t figure out what was wrong and so they’d decided it was all in her head—and of course he was 100% correct. Yet he was also willing to say what so many doctors won’t say—“I don’t know”—instead of dismissing symptoms or patients. He was an outstanding diagnostician, physician, and friend. Our entire family will greatly, greatly miss him, and he is irreplaceable, but we hope his family can get some comfort from knowing how much he is missed by us all too.

Susan Davis

August 5, 2020

Dr Perez was extremely caring, a good listener, and always put me at ease. Gosh, I miss you. I don’t think anyone can ever replace your bedside manner. I loved how you tried to stay out of technology so you could spend more time with the patient. I loved everything about him. A good soul is gone from our earth.

Andrea R

July 28, 2020

I just heard about Dr. Perez. What am I going to do!! Ive been seeing him since I was a child! For over 20 years he saw me for everything from a made up cold to depression. He helped me come out with my problems and listened when no one else would. He basically helped save my sanity.
I'm so, so very sorry he's been taken this way. He was such a kind and gentle man and didn't deserve to get sick.
My deepest condolences to you all. He is my families hearts.

Mary Noble

July 6, 2020

My deepest condolences to the Perez family! I was his patient for 20 years and saw him every 3 months for med checks. He was the first doctor to diagnose my Hashimoto's Disease (thyroid). Even though I had moved 50 miles away six years ago, Dr. Perez was still my doctor and I traveled up to see him because I could not imagine getting another physician! I was shocked to my very core when I asked his P.A. on the phone if he had retired. When she told me he had passed away, I literally screamed; then the tears came. Dr. Perez was always so interested in whatever was going on with me; not just physically but emotionally, too! I felt like I was his only patient! He always had time to sit and converse with me about many things! I just found out today and am still in shock! My heart goes out to all of his other patients, especially his office staff! I truly loved and enjoyed having him as my doctor; no one will be able to replace him! It was always a joy to have another appointment with him; he was like a friend! Fly high, Dr. Perez, and R.I.P. You will be sorely missed by me!!

Suzanne Ledwith

June 10, 2020

I have posted a couple of poems Ive written for Dr. Perez. I just need to write more.........
I was his last patient. I remember hearing him trying to breathe and he didnt look well. It was a different visit. You could still see the smile in his eyes. He still asked about my family as he knew what was going on. Such a strong man with an extremely gentle soul. As I said before, I had to see him every month, even on my good days. He made every patient feel as if they were his only one. He never rushed you. It always felt like Christmas when he would wear his musical Christmas tie. I loved it. He brought so much light into my life. I still miss him and always will. I will miss his strength to pull me through.

Barry Taylor

June 8, 2020

Dr. Steven Perez was my mom's doctor for years and she passed in 2014. She loved him and he was very patient with my mom. I know Heaven is using all his skill! God bless the family and you all are in my prayers. This is how I best remember Dr. Perez.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.

Thank you for sharing Dr. Perez with everyone!

Anna Kreiser

June 5, 2020

June 5 I just found out this morning of Dr. Perez's untimely passing after I called his office for an appointment as I had not seen him in 6 months. I was shocked to the core and could not have believed this kind doctor was gone and I would not see him again, a tear came in my eye as I thought to myself why would such a wonderful man and doctor have to die from this terrible coronavirus, why??? I guess God wanted him in Heaven with loved ones there but he was still too young to pass. He lived a wonderful full life, interested to talk to you and make you feel special. I will miss Dr. Perez office visits. RIP Dr. Perez, Thoughts and prayers to his family. Ann K.

Assata Lee

June 4, 2020

My mother just found out in an appt with a doctor she was referred to by Dr. Perez that Dr. Perez had passed away. My family is truly heartbroken by this news. He was like family to us!
I started seeing Dr. Perez because he was my ex-husband's doctor and he swore by his skills. Now, over 20 years later, my ex-husband, my grandmother, my mother, and I ALL go to Dr. Perez.
His bedside manner was amazing. He always made you feel cared for and like a part of his family. We talked about our divorces, new love, children, and grandchildren...everything. His death has truly created a hole in my family's life.
My deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Perez's family and friends, and to the medical community of Virginia, as I know he was beloved by them all. RIP Dr. Perez...I can see your smile from here. You are irreplaceable!

Jennifer Miller & Family

June 2, 2020

Dr. Perez was one of a kind. Our entire family went to his office for primary care - myself since I was a teenager. His office was welcoming and you could tell he cared for everyone working alongside him. His patience, kindness and exemplary bedside manner (one of my mom's favorite things about him) never faltered. On my last visit with him I explained the woes of life I felt like I couldn't shake, and I remember him telling me about some of his personal experiences. I didn't feel as lost as I felt before, and certainly less embarrassed. I am lucky to have had such a caring doctor. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Perez family. He will be truly, sorely missed by many. May his spirit rest in peace and may his soul fly on.

Cathy Flowers

May 27, 2020

My doctor...I had complete faith in him and his abilities. He always acted as though all of his time was for me. I am in shock. What a wonderful human being and physician. He will be missed.

Terry Powers

May 27, 2020

Dr Perez was a sweet guy. Much has been said about his quiet gentle way of dealing with his patients. He and his staff were a little family that made you feel welcome and cared for. He will be sorely missed.

Judy Ivey

May 23, 2020

Dr Perez was always so kind and attentive during my visits. He also was supportive and understanding with my adult son who has Asperger's. He always ended the appointment with updates about his Dad. Thank you.

Dennise Fath

May 22, 2020

It is with the heaviest heart that I send my condolences on the death of Dr. Perez. He was a wonderful human being whose light went out much too soon. I'd like to think of him looking down on us with that wonderful smile, telling us he left too soon but he's ok and he's waiting on the other side for us. The world is darker today without his brilliance.

Marie Fath

May 22, 2020

My entire family went to Dr. Perez. We just loved him! He was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Our family is thinking of your family...

William and Erika Ibsch

May 22, 2020

Many say that no one is irreplaceable. Anyone who says that did not know Dr. Perez. He has left a void that simply cannot be filled. He was a genuine human being on so many levels: as a superb doctor, as a kind, caring and compassionate individual and as a fellow Air Force retiree. He is and will always be deeply missed. Our deepest sympathy ans sincere condolences to his entire family.

Susan Dawson

May 22, 2020

I still can't wrap my head around the fact that you're gone. Although I haven't been a patient since 2014, I must say, you were the best I've ever had. You will truly be missed by everyone you've touched over the years. It is my sincere hope that you rest in eternal peace, and thank you for everything <3

Claudia and Emmert Tewell

May 21, 2020

It is hard to put into words how sad we are to lose Dr. Perez. He was a great man and a great doctor. He listened to the heartache I have with problems in my family and I felt so cared about. He took such good care of my husband too. Our sincere condolenses go out to his family and friends for such a tragic loss. As a grandmother, I wish he had lived a long time to be a part of his grandchildren's lives.He would have been such an inspiration to them. Our hearts go out to his family and his staff.

Patricia Jacobs

May 21, 2020

Dr.Perez was a warm and caring person who was also a doctor. He was genuinely concerned about his patients and their well being. My family and I are still in shock at his passing and will miss him immensely. We pray daily for his soul and his family. May he rest in peace.

Roland Helvajian

May 21, 2020

I have been a patient of Dr. Perez's for over 20 years. He has always treated me with kindness, patience, and the professionalism that you want and expect from the medical profession. I will forever miss Dr. Perez's wise guidance and medical honesty. I don't think I will every find another doctor that meets the highest standards of the medical profession. I am so very sorry of the untimely death of Dr. Perez. May he rest in peace and find solace in knowing that his patients are in much better physical health because of him and his medical guidance. I will miss you very much, Dr. Perez. Roland Helvajian

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Nancy Raley

Sent Flowers

Nancy Raley

May 21, 2020

We hold his memory dear to our hearts. So sorry for this loss of a wonderful human being. God has called one of his best home. Prayers for the family during this time.

Patricia Smith

May 20, 2020

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dr. Perez' family and staff following this sudden and sad loss. I was his patient for almost 25 years, and my daughters for many years also. Dr. Perez was such a kind and compassionate man, one who made you feel like his only patient as he never rushed you. If he didn't know the answer, he would find it. He helped me through some difficult times and I always felt encouraged when I left his office. He will be hard to replace, and is a true loss to this community. Rest in peace Dr. Perez.

James Garner

May 20, 2020

My condolences .......

Jen of Hello

May 20, 2020

It was a privilege to have him as a client. Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord And let perpetual light shine upon him Amen

Joel Perez

May 19, 2020

My name is Joel Perez my mother and father where patient of Dr. Perez for several years until I moved them to Florida close to me.
The love and respect that they had for him is so strong that i have no words to describe how sad they are to hear this terrible news.
My mother asked me to leave this message to everyone to let them know how important he was to them.
She love him like a son and told me she will never forget how good he was to them.
They know he is next God where he belongs.

Frederick Pugarelli

May 19, 2020

A wonderful and caring doctor; an even more wonderful and caring person.

Suzanne Ledwith

May 19, 2020

If we had our way
You would still be here today
God sent the angels from above
To shower upon you their love
They engulfed you in their loving arms
So you could not come to any more harm
When you took your last breath
You discovered the secret of death
Your suffering is through
We will always miss you
Our suffering is just beginning
Sad songs we now sing
It's said time heals pain
Dr. Perez, your loss will always remain

Dear Perez family
I send you my deepest condolences. Dr. Perez was a great man. When you'd be so sick and go to him, just his presence made one feel better. I saw Dr. Perez once a month for 14 years due to my disability. I'll never find a Dr. Perez again.

Meaghan O'Rourke

May 19, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Perez for many years, and he was truly a gem. Such a kind soul, and always gave you his full attention. He was a brilliant physician, with a kind heart that is impossible to match. I was truly heart broken to learn of his unexpected passing. This is a great loss to this community, that will be felt for years to come. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and staff.

Bob Martini

May 18, 2020

I am a longtime patient and so saddened by Dr. Perez's passing.It was difficult to be informed by another patient. My prayers are with all of his family and friends.

Frances Kaklikian

May 18, 2020

Dr. Perez was more than an excellent doctor to my husband, daughter, and myself. . Every time we were in his office, we felt like we were with a friend. I will miss the conversations about family and life events that always preceded the reason for my appointment. He was also my dads doctor. They were both fellow U.S. Air Force Officer retirees, so of course there wasn't a better doctor to be found. I'm sure in the last few days they've had a nice long talk to catch up on the last 3 years since my dads passing. I cant imagine finding another doctor that compares to Dr. Perez. My heart and prayers go out to his family, staff, and friends. Until we meet again.

Anita Sexauer

May 18, 2020

Dr. Perez was a wonderful man and extraordinarily gifted doctor. He was my primary care physician since 1995 and he was instrumental in helping me to maintain my good health. He will be missed very much.

Rachel K. Blackwell

May 18, 2020

Dr. Perez was one of my favorite people in this world. He cared so freely and openly in a way most doctors fear. I will treasure every time I spent seeing him regardless of how sick I was (or thought I was.) He listened and never judged. He always asked about my fiancé and my job and even the quickest visits seemed like hours with a dear friend. I will profoundly miss this incredible doctor and I'm truly sorry for his family's, friend's and many patients loss.

Michael Trippi

May 18, 2020

I've been seeing Dr. Perez for about 20 years. In addition to being a good doctor, he was also a really nice friendly guy. I will miss seeing him and talking to him. So sad to hear of his passing.

John Dreswick

May 15, 2020

Dr Perez was a great doctor and a very fine man. He helped my brother through some very difficult times. I was so impressed with him that I signed on as a patient and my other brother did too. I actually looked forward to my visits with him and his staff. My condolences to the Perez family. He will be sorely missed. Fair winds and following seas.

Deborah Elouahabi

May 15, 2020

My husband, Mohamed and I were patients for many years. Dr. Perez was a very good doctor and a compassionate person, with a good sense of humor. He was loved and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to the Perez Family.

Margot Mahoney

May 15, 2020

I only knew Dr. Perez when I accompanied my 97 year old uncle on a few visits to the doctor in the last three years of my uncle's life, but I was immediately struck by his genuinely kind and caring manner, and his knowledge. He instantly put both my uncle and myself at ease with his gentleness and wonderful sense of humor. I'm sure that Dr. Perez will be sorely missed by an entire community. I wish I had known him longer and that I lived close enough to have him as my own doctor.

Sue Saunders

May 14, 2020

Dr. Perez meant so much to my family. He was my dad's "quarterback" through many illnesses. Dr. Perez was kind and compassionate and treated my father like he would have treated his own. My deepest condolences to the Perez family. I hope you take comfort knowing how much his patients and his patients families loved him.

Leslie Fasci

May 14, 2020

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Perez. He was a phenomenal physician who was always patient, warm, generous, remembered your history, and truly listened and cared about his patients needs. As a patient of his for 15 years I will miss Dr. Perez dearly. My deepest condolences to his family and his wonderful staff. The world is short a true man of medicine and that is a significant loss.

Ernesto Clavijo

May 14, 2020

For sure he will be sorely missed by every body that to have the pleasure to knew him. He was my primary physician, not only to check when was needed my vital signs, but to lessening my concerns, politics, immigration under attack, sports, and above all the family and the joys of finally being a grandparent. He recognized with a regret that he did not learn to speak Spanish with that genuine last name.
My sincerely condolences to his family and friends,
Que de Dios goces, Dr. Perez.

Y Chanaa

May 13, 2020

I have 2 people in this world whom I call heroes, and Dr. Perez is one of them. You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace as we grieve in selfishness and self pity about finding another doctor that we can only hope is one-tenth as good as you were. You were truly a great person. Go to god.

Maricopa County General Hospital, 1979

Chuck Hofmann

May 13, 2020

Dear Perez Family,
My name is Chuck Hofmann. I trained with Steve at County. Along with John Lynn and Tom Kummet we all became very close during those three years. Without question some of the best memories of my life are of Steve. We worked and played hard together. Ted and our daughter were born at the same time and played together the first year of their life. Steve and I lost touch several years later after he left the White House but John kept me posted on what was happening from time to time. John let me know Steve was sick and I was heartbroken by the news that he had passed. I will always regret that I hadn't spoken to him for years. That's not how friends should part. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sending along a photo of some of us standing in front of County Hospital. I'm in the back row standing to Steve's left. Tom is the guy with the beard in the red shirt standing a ways from my left. I don't know where John was that day. Anyway, just wanted to let you know we are so sorry for your loss. The world is a lesser place now.

Carol Allen

May 13, 2020

One great doctor that was not only a fine doctor but a good friend to everyone. He will certainly be missed.

Leslie Peterson

May 13, 2020

I was not a patient of Dr. Perez but my mother was and on the occasions I had to bring her to his office, I stood in awe of him. He was everything you would want in your doctor, or even your friend, and then some. My mother is devastated. I can only imagine what those close to him must be feeling. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.

Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results

Make a Donation
in STEVEN PEREZ's name

Memorial Events
for STEVEN PEREZ

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home & Crematory

1500 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302

How to support STEVEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor STEVEN PEREZ's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored