Roberto Perez

Roberto Pérez, PhD, 88, of Mount Airy, MD, passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side.

He was the husband of Carol Parker- Pérez; father to Maria (Bob Young), Robert, Patty, Rey (John Pratt), Joe (Courtney Gazda), and Sofía; and step-father to Melanie Curtis (Shane), Vicki Britton, and Randy Pickett (Erin). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jordan Trevarthen (David), Ana Pérez, Jade Baker- Pérez (Nathan Winkler), and Aiden Lovine; and step-grandchildren Tyler and Jackson Curtis, Olivia and Peyton Pickett, Carver and River Britton; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Felipe and Amalia Pérez, and his 12 siblings and their partners.

Roberto was born in San Antonio, TX in 1933. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and served our country for 20 years with distinction. He was a dedicated public educator at the elementary, university, and graduate level. Roberto will be remembered for his love of family and as the consummate advocate for the children, students, and staff he served. Roberto captured many of his life's accomplishments in his autobiography, "One Full American Life of a First-Generation Immigrant of Mexican Descent".  He was generous to the causes he believed in, especially under-served populations and the Democratic Party. He was also an avid San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys fan.

A burial will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Roberto’s legacy can be continued through contributions to the charities or the many causes he championed, such as the Democratic Party, Smile Train, Southern Poverty Law Center, or Habitat for Humanity.