Biography

Joseph S. Perez, 89, of Moline, passed away Tuesday July 20, 2010 at Trinity Rock Island.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Friday, July 23, 2010 at St. Mary’s Church, Moline. Visitation will be 4 -7pm Thursday at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline with a rosary recited at3:30pm. Entombment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Moline with military honors conducted by VFW Ybara Gomez Post 8890, East Moline. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Shrine, 1910 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608.

Joe was born December 16, 1920 in Carbon Cliff, IL, the son of Augustin and Maria Espinosa Perez. He married Frances Casillas in Moline. He later married Margarita Jimenez in August 1958 in Galesburg, IL. She preceded him in death in March 1997.

Joe was an US Navy veteran having served in WWII aboard the USS Salt Lake City and the Korean War.

Joe worked for John Deere Plow Works, Moline. He was the former owner of Riverbend Packing.

Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Moline, American Legion Post 246, Moline, VFW Ybara Gomez Post 8890, East Moline, John Deere Retirees, UAW #334, American GI Forum, USS Salt Lake City Association.

Joe enjoyed fishing, walking 7th Street, his practical jokes and taking tickets at the Annual Alley Cat Boxing Show. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Survivors and (spouses) include his son, Jeffery (Sandra) Perez of Moline; granddaughter, Tempa (Damon) Burnham of Austin, TX; grandsons, Joseph (Tara) Perez II of Moline, Jason (Lori) Perez of Moline and Timothy (Ann) Perez of Moline; sister, Esther (Earl) McCullough of Moline; brothers, Harry (Ethel) Perez and Fernando Duran all of Moline; Joe’s fiancée, Frances Hajny; special family member, Maria Romo of Moline and Joe’s special friend, Vito Monteleone. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Smith in March 1988, sisters, Julia Hernandez and Josephine Perez, his twin sister Angelia Belman and brother, Rito Perez.

A Mass of Christian Burial

Friday July 23, 2010, 10:00am at St. Mary's Church
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