On Monday, September 5th, 2022, Juan Perez, a beautiful person and a loving husband, son,
brother, and best friend, passed away at the age of 48.
Juan, or “Johnny”, was born in the South Bronx on May 24th, 1974. His passion for helping those in need was evident very early in his life, and he spent several years as a social worker in New York and Michigan. Later, he felt a call and was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in the Diocese of Michigan in June 2014. He served in various capacities for the Diocese of Michigan before a calling to the Dioceses of New York at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Pawling as well as the Harlem Valley Ministry, La MESA, Dover Plains in 2017.
Johnny could light up a room with his infectious laugh and smile. He was a ray of sunshine and
hope in this world and he never failed to uplift those around him. He was a kind, caring, compassionate, and selfless soul. He was always there for his family, friends, and community in their times of need, often putting others ahead of himself. The warmest hugs can distract from the most wounded hearts. He loved to laugh, dance along to silly songs with his nieces and nephews, and care for his Schnauzers past and present. He shared a passion for classic cars with his beloved husband and the two would often drive without a destination in mind. He had an extensive teddy bear collection, a fond love of horses, and an eclectic array of quirky socks worn under his vestments. His vocation was the central focus in his life.
Johnny is survived by his husband, Joseph, of Brookfield, as well as his father, Juan Jr., and
mother, Lydia, of the Bronx. He is also survived by his sister, Annette, his cousins, Sonia and Helen, their spouses, Victor and Frank, his nieces and nephew, Gabriella, Brittany, and Nicholas, his Schnauzer companions, Jaeger and Jasper, and multiple family members in the Bronx, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, September 9th, 2022 at Horn & Thomes, Inc Funeral Home on 83 E Main St, Pawling, NY 12564 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Funeral mass will commence at 10AM on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 22 Coulter Ave, Pawling, NY, followed by a private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. Donations may be sent to the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, a charity chosen in his honor because of his love for animals that often get overlooked.
