WESTFIELD – Theodore F. Perez, Sr., of Westfield, died Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at home. He was born to the late Joseph Perez and Elsie (West) Aguirre, January 20, 1932 in Westfield, MA.He attended Westfield Trade School and joined the US Army in 1949. Ted served his country honorably during the Korean War and was discharged in 1951. After leaving the Army, he worked at Wico Electric and the Springfield Armory, becoming a First-Class Toolmaker. Ted was also a successful land developer, building housing developments including Glenwood Heights, Knollwood Acres and Stuart Tract in Westfield.
In 1961, inspired by the sudden death of his brother Paul, Ted purchased land on East Mountain Road in Westfield and built the East Mountain Country Club, opening the first nine holes in 1963 and the second nine in 1966. Because of Ted’s diligence, East Mountain garnered a reputation for being open as many days as possible all year long and would always be one of the first courses to open each spring. He was also particularly proud to have his wife and four children working side by side along with him at the golf course. In 2013, East Mountain Country Club celebrated its 50th year as a family business. Ted was involved in several other business ventures in Western Massachusetts and was an inventor with several patents to his name.
Ted also had a tremendous love for the City of Westfield. He served as a Westfield City Councilor from 1995 to 1999 and was a past Tree Warden in Westfield under Mayor John Palczynski. He was a member of the Westfield Kiwanis Club for 49 years and was a past president, Legion of Honor winner and holder of a Lifetime Achievement award. He was also involved with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, where he was a past president of the “Sparkplugs”, and was a member of the Westfield Jaycees. Ted helped establish the Westfield Boys and Girls Club in Westfield, where he was a past Director and worked tirelessly in its fundraising efforts to construct its current facilities on Silver St. Ted and his wife Maria were also the 2007 Greater Westfield Chapter of the American Red Cross Outstanding Community Spirit honorees. In addition to being an avid golfer, Ted’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, tending to his garden and making his own wine.
He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Maria (Lopez) Perez; four children, Theodore F. Perez, Jr and his wife Susan of Westfield, James M. Perez and his wife Linda of Westfield, Mark T. Perez and his wife Tess of Southampton and Brenda L. Coggin and her ex-husband Patric of Westfield. He also leaves his six adored grandchildren; Jennifer, Brittany, Kate, Jayme, Kimberly and Deanna and one great grandson, Aidan. In addition, he also leaves his step-grandchildren; Craig, Jason and Patric and four step-great-grandchildren; Jayden, Justin, DJ and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brother, Lee R. Perez of Westfield and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his three brothers, Joseph, Kenneth and Paul and one sister, Flora.
There will be a celebration of Ted’s life on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ The King Church, 297 Russell Road, Westfield. Visiting hours will be Sunday, September 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ted’s name to the Westfield Boy’s and Girl’s Club, 28 Silver Street, Westfield.
firtionadams.com
