Ismael Perez

We are saddened to announce the passing of Ismael Perez, 73, of Fort Walton Beach Florida on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

He was born on June 17, 1949, in Patillas Puerto Rico to Francisco Perez and Fermina Santiago. As a child, Ismael lived in Puerto Rico until he was seven years old and moved with his family to New York City.

On July 5, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sara Miriam Homs, whom he met while working part-time after school in the produce department at the local International Supermarket.

Upon graduating Alfred E. Smith High School in 1968, Ismael went on to enlist in the United States Air Force that September. He became an Aerospace Ground Equipment “AGE” Technician and was Honorably Discharged on March 31, 1989, having served 20-plus years on active duty and receiving numerous commendations. During Active Duty, Ishmael was stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, Chanute AFB, Illinois, Stewart AFB, New York, Otis AFB, Massachusetts, Ching Chuan Kang AB, Taiwan, Plattsburgh AFB, New York, Torrejon AB, Spain, Mt. Home AFB, Idaho, Indian Springs AFB, Nevada, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.

His second career in Civil Service brought him full circle as a produce/store worker with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and Ismael retired again in December of 2011 having given another 20-plus years in service to his country and military community.

Ismael is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Sara Perez; children, Shannon Gerwick(Chris), Ismael Perez(Leah), and Veronica Perez(Wil); grandchildren, Isabella, Aaliyah, Petra, Caleb, Madison, Emilia, Josephina, and Augustin; siblings, Lydia, Carmen, Juan, Innocencio, Innocencia, Jose, and Ezequiel: as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relations.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Eliezer, Margarita, Benjamin, and Jacob.

Services will be officiated by the Reverend Dr. Scott Hohn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Arbor Day Foundation, or a charity of your choice in Ismael’s name.

Thank you to our family and friends for all your love and support over the years, but especially during this difficult and emotional time for our family.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.