Joseph A. Perez

Joseph A. (Joe Limo) Perez, 90, died on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Cedar Creek Assisted Living Facility in Crystal River, Florida. He was born on Friday, January 28, 1921 and moved here from New York in 2004.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII under General Patton. At age 21, Uncle Sam requested his help fighting World War II. He left behind a two month old daughter, Juanita. In 1945 after being honorably discharged, he returned to New York as an iron worker. During the first part of his working life, he was co-owner of an iron ornament company. In his late 40's, he changed directions and entered the most exciting part of his life as a limousine company owner and driver in New York City. He drove movie stars, baseball players, a former President and royal family members of foreign countries. Many of them considered him their friend. He got the nickname 'Joe Limo' from the baseball players who knew and loved him. Anthony Quinn called him Joe, Jerry Lewis always had a kind word for him. Liza Minelli sat in the front seat and answered the phone. One time my Dad rented a gorilla suit which, he wore when he picked up Faye Wray (King Kong's girlfiend in the movie). She though that was just great! My Dad could fill a book with his stories, many of which can't be told.

Joe was preceded in death by three wives and his parents. Surviving are his daughter, Juanita (Doug) Oxford, his sister, Vicki Aurora of Salisbury, NC, several half-brothers and a half-sister, his grandchildren, Brian Leider and Darren Leider, nieces and nephews.

Viewing will take place on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon at Fero Funeral Home. A graveside service follows at Fero Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #155 of which Joe was a member.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of Citrus County, PO Box 641270, Beverly Hills, Florida 34464. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Cedar Creek Assisted Living and Hospice of Citrus County for the wonderful care they gave Joe.

Arrangements entrusted to Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com