Obituary of Mario A. Perez

Westtown, NY

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mario "Mao" Perez, who peacefully entered eternal rest on the evening of Saturday, July 11, after a long, courageous, and unwavering battle with ALS. Surrounded by love, Mario spent his final moments with the love of his life, his devoted wife, Lisa Perez, faithfully by his side.

For 35 beautiful years, Mario and Lisa shared a love story built on faith, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Married for 32 of those years, they faced every joy and every hardship together, proving that true love endures even life's greatest challenges.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Mario came to the United States at just 16 years old with hope in his heart and dreams of building a better future. Through determination, sacrifice, and an incredible work ethic, he created a life filled with purpose, love, and lasting friendships. He wasn't defined by what he had, but by what he gave to others.

Nothing in this world brought Mario greater joy than being a father. His beloved son, Joshua Perez, was the light of his life. Mario loved him with all his heart and was endlessly proud of the man he became. His greatest legacy is the love, values, and strength he passed on to his son.

Mario is lovingly remembered by his wife, Lisa Perez; his son, Joshua Perez; his sister-in-law, Yvonne Gottlieb; his nephew, Max Gottlieb; his nephews Alex Klein, Luis Klein, and Jesse Antonetti; and his cherished great-nephews, Jesse Antonetti Jr. and Joseph Soriano.

To know Mario was to know genuine kindness. He had a rare gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His smile could brighten the darkest day, his laughter was contagious, and his generous heart never hesitated to help someone in need. He made friends wherever he went, and those friendships became family. The number of lives he touched is impossible to measure because his compassion reached so many.

ALS may have challenged his body, but it never touched the strength of his spirit. Through every obstacle, Mario faced life with remarkable courage, dignity, and grace. He taught those around him what it truly means to be strong—not by never struggling, but by never letting hardship take away his love for others.

Although our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that love like Mario's never truly leaves us. It lives on in every memory shared, every lesson he taught, every laugh he inspired, and every life he touched. His absence leaves an emptiness that can never be filled, but his legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will remain with us forever.

Mario was more than a husband, a father, an uncle, a relative, or a friend. He was a blessing to everyone fortunate enough to know him. While we grieve the loss of his physical presence, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and deeply loved.

Until we meet again, your love will continue to guide us, your memory will forever comfort us, and your spirit will live in our hearts every single day.

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near"

Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service - 845-977-6127 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.