WESTFIELD – Lee R. Perez, Sr., 80, (1940-2020) a lifetime resident of Westfield, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 17, 2020. He was born in Westfield, MA to the late Joseph and Elsie (West) Perez, was a graduate of Westfield Trade School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Westfield State College. With his brother Ken, they went into business together, creating Ken Lee Auto Body Repair. Lee would eventually go on to become the auto body teacher for Chicopee Comprehensive High School, where he taught for 32 years. His love of the trade even carried over into the summer break when he would work for Don’s Auto Body on Meadow St. in Westfield. Lee was an avid golfer at East Mountain Country Club and could be found there most weekends with his early morning tee times. Even in the off season, playing cards there on Friday nights with friends and family was something he looked forward to each week. Upon moving to Hampden Village Lee quickly became a regular for card night at their community center. Lee loved the city of Westfield and served one term on the Board of Water Commissioners. He took great pride in that appointment and served in that capacity to the best of his ability. He was also an avid handyman and his DIY attitude was legendary to his children who became helpers during the many projects over the years. Movies, reading and travel were other hobbies that he enjoyed. His travels brought him as far away as Japan and when winter arrived, a road trip to Florida was not out of the question. His movie collection was always well stocked and books could be found throughout his house. Lee is survived by his loving children, Lee R. Perez, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Parkville, MO, Karen M. Ernest and her husband Kevin of Severna Park, MD and Christopher J. Perez and his husband Joseph Guanci of Wakefield, MA and their mother, Roberta G. Perez of South Dennis, MA, and his five cherished grandchildren: Matthew, Emily, Katie, Ryan and Kyle. Lee is also survived by a dear partner Doris Ammirato. He was predeceased by his siblings, Theodore Perez, Sr., Joseph Perez, Jr., Kenneth Perez, Paul Perez and Flora Moratori.
A Funeral Home Service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6PM in the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. Visiting hours will precede the service from 4-6PM in the funeral home. www.firtionadams.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lee’s name can be made to either Overlook Hospice https://www.overlook-mass.org/vna-hospice/ or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.mspca.org/
