Deacon Michael (Mike) Perez died Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the age of 86.
Deacon Mike was born on March 27, 1937, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in Echo Park and met his future wife Margie McPhall when he was 12 years old. Deacon Mike and Margie were married on April 22, 1961, and they just celebrated 62 years of marriage. They were blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Deacon Mike was in the 2007 Ordination Class and served at St. Didacus, St. John Eudes, and lastly St. Euphrasia Church until one year ago. He also previously served as a Stational Deacon.
Deacon Mike was a man of many talents. He played in a swing band during the late '50s, and worked for 37 years as a Los Angeles City Fire Department (LACFD) firefighter, ultimately as a battalion chief. Deacon Perez was awarded a Medal of Valor in January 1971 for his bravery with a physical rescue of victims trapped in a collapsed trench. His son Stephen and grandson Michael have followed their father’s inspirational footsteps serving as firefighters. Following retirement, Deacon Mike worked for the archdiocese in Fingerprinting and as a chaplain for the LACFD.
Deacon Mike was known as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, employee, and a true servant of the Lord. Margie said that the Lord blessed Deacon Mike and their family, and he will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at St. Euphrasia Church, 11779 Shoshone Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344. Vigil will be held Friday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m. Priests/Deacons wishing to attend are invited to vest in an alb and white stole.
Interment will take place at San Fernando Mission Cemetery on 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345.
Condolences may be sent to Margie Perez, 15606 Dorian St., Sylmar, CA 91342.
In charity and kindness, please remember Deacon Mike, Margie, and the entire Perez family in your Masses and prayers.
