Jesse E. Perez

Jesse E. Perez, 86, of San Antonio, Texas went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2022. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 18, 1935, to Antonio and Elvira Perez. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Rebecca; his parents Antonio and Elvira Perez; His brothers, Jose, Antonio, and Alex; sister Mary Alice. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Idelia Perez; daughters, Nancy (Alex) Moreno, Mary Jessie Lecea; Norma (John) Patrick; son Jesse Jr (Crystal); grandchildren, John (Sydney) Lecea, Olivia Patrick, Jackson, Everett, and Dylan Perez; great granddaughters, Lula Rece and Vida Amor Lecea; siblings, John (Sylvia) Perez, Gloria Cabral, Ruth, Rudy, and Danny (Diane) Gonzales as well as numerous family and friends.

Jesse began his career at the famous downtown Manhattan Café where he learned to make the famous cheesecake people still talk about today. As a young man, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. After his active-duty service, he returned to the Manhattan Café for 24 years where he eventually worked his way up to the position of head Baker. He continued his career at La Mansion Riverwalk hotel, finally retiring from HEB as an 18-year Partner.

Jesse was an active member of his parish, San Martin De Porres Catholic Church. He along with his wife Idelia, are two of the founding pillars of the church. They fundraised to have the church built in the 1960’s. Together with Fr. James, both also founded Las Posadas at San Martin in 1962. Alongside his wife, both served in the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, a Catholic group for married couples. Throughout his life, Jesse was a member of San Martin de Porres Holy Name Society, St Vincent de Paul Society, Festival committee chair, Coro Mexicano and Eucharistic Minister. He often took communion to the sick and homebound and always talked about how he loved visiting and praying for them. Jesse was also an Altar Server and helped in the weekly Holy Hour. He was awarded the San Antonio Archdiocese Lumen Gentium Award in recognition of his generous service in the life of the Church.

Jesse was a good listener, a kind and compassionate man who always found the time to counsel or help a person in need. He is known for his delicious baking delicacies including his yearly Christmas cookies. He loved to cook and shared his recipes with many people.

The family would like to thank Dr. Roque Diaz Wong, the nurses, and staff at Las Palmas Davita Dialysis for their compassion and care. The CHRISTUS VNA Homecare and Physical Therapy for all their encouragement and support.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30pm. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Divine Providence Catholic Church, 5667 Old Pearsall Rd., San Antonio, Texas. Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery II,746 Castroville Road, San Antonio, Texas 78237, where he will be buried with full Military Honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelcupples.com for the Perez family.