Vicente Francisco Perez

Vicente Francisco Perez was born in Colon, Matanzas, Cuba on October 27, 1955. At a young age of 10, he was exiled from Cuba when Fidel Castro took over. With just shoes on his feet and clothes on his back, he came to Miami, alone, no proof of identification, and no family to receive him. He was taken care of by strangers at Miami International Airport until his parents were able to join him. He was a “Pedro Pan” or “Peter Pan” kid. The family lived in the Freedom Tower until they were able to support themselves. The rest of his childhood was spent in Little Havana. He went to Booker T. Washington and Miami Senior High School. He had a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. He worked at Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami Heart Institute, Palmetto General Hospital and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. Later in life, he was diagnosed with cancer, had chemo and radiation therapy, and surgery. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Vincent loved sports, all kinds – baseball, football, basketball, hockey. He was crazy about fishing and loved the ocean. He loved horse racing as well. He loved his family, and he was a faithful friend. He had a good sense of humor, always managed to make people laugh. He cared a lot about his patients. But most of all, he had a deep faith and trust in God. He accepted his illness with no complaints. He took it one day at a time and thanked God that he made it through another day, another Christmas that he was able to buy another Christmas tree. He had a great devotion to our Blessed Mother. He said the Holy Rosary everyday.

On behalf of the Perez family, we would like to express our greatest gratitude to everyone who helped us in this difficult time. To our Miami Heart Institute family, you have been our family and support since the beginning. To our Westside Hospital family, a million thanks for taking such great care not just for Vincent when he was sick and at the end of his life, but also for the support for the whole family. Thank you for all your love and prayers. To our friends who have been praying the Novena for the repose of the soul of Vicente. To our Saint David family, all the priests, former priests, staff, and fellow parishioners, thank you for all your support and endless prayers. And to all friends, families near and far, and everyone who have touches our lives, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you all.

A reception for Vicente will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Fred Hunter's University Drive Home, 2401 S University Drive, Davie, FL 33324. A visitation will occur Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 2401 S University Drive, Davie, FL 33324. A mass will occur Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328. Graveside service will be Friday, January 17, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, 3001 N 72nd Ave, Hollywood, FL 33024.