Mauro served in the United States Army with the 24th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict. He met his wife, Herlinda (Santiago) Perez, while in 6th grade. Upon return to the states, he looked her up, began dating, and married in 1955.
Mauro began a long career in the automotive industry and was always very thankful to Burton Auto Supply in Brownsville for believing in him and giving him his first job. Mauro mastered the art of automotive repair and transitioned into diesel engines. His mechanical skillset soon landed him a job working with heavy machinery in the road construction industry. His fondest memories were of the crew he worked with laying down asphalt and paving the roads to and from Brownsville. Ambitious to learn and strive to do better for himself and his family, he attained his B.A. degree from Corpus Christi State University and his Master’s in Industrial Arts from Texas A & M. Mauro retired from the City of Brownsville in 1994.
Mauro loved to spend time with his family. He was actively involved with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He mastered the art of wood carving and created many artistic pieces which were rewarded with “Blue Ribbons”. The genre of carvings included Native and Central American art, Western theme, three dimensional carvings of animals in their natural habitat to name a few which he gifted to his children.
Mauro is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Herlinda, his six children: Sacramento “Butch” (Irma) Perez, Maria Herlinda (Robert) Lopez, Mauro (Lynn) Perez, Roman (Tami) Perez, Dolores Perez, and Santiago Perez. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Monica (Pernell) Uepa, Angela (Jeff) Thomas, Jamie Lynn (Sam) Martinez, Nicky (Troy) Lopez-Gunter, Robby Lopez, James Daniel Perez, Amanda Perez, Sebastian Perez, and Jessica Perez. His great-grandchildren include Aaron, Keyla, and Sammy Martinez; Thor and Rylee Gunter; Sophia Greenlee, Hazel Marie Perez and his sister, Ana Mae Garza. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Mauro is preceded in death by his parents Sacramento V. and Maria C. Perez, his siblings Estefana Longoria, Minerva Hernandez, Natanael Perez, and Sacramento C (Buddy) Perez, Jr.
Serving as pallbearers are his sons: Sacramento S Perez, Mauro S. Perez, Roman S. Perez and Santiago S. Perez - grandsons: Robby Lopez and James Daniel Perez – Great Grandson – Sammy Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are – Mr. Robert Lopez and Mr. Sam Martinez
Funeral services will commence on June 1st at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Blvd. with viewing from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and rosary from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass will be held June 2nd at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 11:00 a.m. with burial following the mass at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt.
Those who wish may join the rosary online at http://www.funerariadelangelbuenavista.com/.
