Perez, Joseph Francis

Joseph Francis Perez passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022, at age 91, in Radford, Va. He was a long-time resident of Christiansburg with many friends and acquaintances who will miss his wit and laughter.

He was born on January 4, 1931, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. to the late Joseph and Mildred Perez, of Floridia, Sicily, Italy.

He was a 1955 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He held a Masters Degree in Personnel Administration from George Washington University.

He served 25 years with distinction as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy. Among his numerous achievements, he was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” for Valor for his bravery in the Vietnam war. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as an Administrator of Security and Program Analyst for government contractors in Saudi Arabia and Iran before settling in the Christiansburg area.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Mulholland Perez, brother, Dominick Perez and sister, Mildred Andolina.

Joe is survived by his three children, Joseph Perez (Linda) of Virginia Beach, Va., Lucie Fassnacht of Barrington, Ill., and Sarah Lewis of San Diego, Calif.; his grandchildren, Allison Butler (Jeff) of Washington, D.C., Emily Leutgens (Cody) of Surf City, N.C., Owen Fassnacht of New York City, N.Y., and Abigail Fassnacht of Aspen, Colo.; and great-grandson, Ross Butler.

Joe loved cooking, the outdoors, current events, nature, music, gardening, foreign languages, his pets and animals, and sports, especially all things Hokie sports.

A full military service at Arlington National Cemetery is pending.