Nicholas Richard Perales

Nicholas Richard Perales, 31 of Fort Myers Florida passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024 at HealthPark Hospital from health complications after a long, hard battle with addiction. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. His family is thankful he was able to be an organ donor and give the gift of life to others.

He was born in Dekalb, IL on August 19, 1992 the son of Richard and Michelle (White) Perales. Nicholas was a loving son, brother, dad, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend who will be deeply missed. He grew up in Hinckley, IL. In 2010, at the age of 17, his family moved to Florida. Nicholas was full of life as a child and had no fear. He loved with his whole heart and his smile was infectious. Whenever he showed us his smirk on his face, we knew he was truly happy. He grew up playing soccer and was a multi-sport athlete. He loved music, playing his XBOX, fishing, and hanging out with his family and friends. In June of 2015 he welcomed his daughter Bradleigh and she was his greatest accomplishment.

Nicholas struggled with depression and tried his best to block out the negatives, which is where his addiction came into play. After years of family and friends trying to help him overcome his addictions, his body just couldn’t take the abuse any longer. In honor of Nicholas life, we ask that truth be spread regarding the epidemic of addiction and awareness needs to be raised. Silence would mean Nicholas’s death was in vain, but we know the pain of his suffering. We know the pain of our own suffering as his family. And we know there are thousands of other people suffering as addicts or as loved ones to them. Speaking the truths (no matter the circumstances) surrounding the epidemic of drug addiction may be the difference between life and death for someone else.

He is survived by his parents,Richard and Michelle (White) Perales, his sister Marisa Perales (Nate), his daughter Bradleigh, his niece Charlotte all of Fort Myers FL, Grandparents Donald White of Big Rock IL., Roberto and Isabel Perales of Hinckley IL, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Nani, Jean White, his brothers Richard and Jacob Perales in infancy, cousin Luke Bish, Aunt Cheri and Uncle Keith Michael and Uncle Scott Hamling.

His family will have a celebration of life for Nicholas back home in Illinois in June.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Nicholas’s name:

Kids Minds Matter Advocate for Mental Health Awareness Golisano Children’s Hospital or Teen Challenge

https://kidsmindsmatter.com/donate/

Florida Men's Rehab to the Fort Myers Men

https://give.teenchallenge.cc/ftmyersmen/