Leo Perez Sr.

Leo Perez, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, his sons, Robert (Ginny) Perez -Boise, James (Janice) Perez - Boise, Leo Jr. (LaDeana) Perez- Westminster, Colorado, Paul (Rene Holtslander) Perez - Boise, and Sam (Lisa) Perez - Nampa. Leo is also survived by his sister Pauline Aguilar, his brothers Dean Perez and Raymond Perez, and numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 brothers and sisters.

Leo was born on March 13, 1935, in Gering, Nebraska to Bessie (Rocha) and Geronimo Perez, and lived in several small Nebraska towns during his youth.

Growing up, Leo was a hard worker and helped support his large family alongside his brothers, sisters, and parents. He attended Scottsbluff public schools prior to attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Leo married Anita Ramirez on September 4, 1958. Together, Leo and Anita raised five children -- Robert, James, Leo, Paul, and Sam. Their twin sons David and John died shortly after birth.

Leo served in the US Air Force as a flight line mechanic until 1961, then returned to the Scottsbluff/Gering area. He moved his family to Boise, Idaho in 1970.

Leo's strong work ethic and ambition was consistent through many occupations, including field worker and laborer, helicopter mechanic, highway road crew member and foreman, custodian, garbage worker, valet (butler), maintenance worker, construction worker, contractor, auto mechanic, locomotive maintenance, chief housing inspector, taxi business owner, security officer (retired as Captain). He also served as a mentor and father figure to many.

Leo enjoyed spending time with family, dancing at the Mexican dance halls, hunting antelope and pheasant, participating in men’s softball as player/coach, and teaching his boys how to bowl, camp, fish, and play football, billiards, basketball, baseball, tennis, ping pong, golf, work on cars, and fix most anything with a little baling wire, duct tape, and ingenuity.

Among his most treasured accomplishments were volunteering with Anita as “Grandpa and Grandma” at many Head Start programs around the Treasure Valley. They also volunteered as classroom Grandparents at Madison Learning Center. Leo participated as a volunteer for the Foster Grandparents program at the Boys and Girls clubs of Ada County. He loved the children and the children loved him.

Leo also volunteered his time after retirement as a certified seniors driving instructor. Many senior citizens were able to extend and continue their driving privileges due to Leo’s help.

His other passions included being a brother in the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a loyal and devout parishioner in many of the Catholic churches in the area.

Leo was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Boise State Broncos, and Chicago Cubs. He cherished his family, faith, and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, values, service, and integrity and will be dearly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Boys and Girls club of Ada County Moseley Center would be most welcome. HTTPS://www.adaclubs.org

The viewing/rosary will be held Thursday, April 24 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Alden-Waggoner funeral Chapel, 5400 Fairview Ave., Boise, ID.

The funeral mass will be performed Friday, April 25 at 11:00 A.M at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2612 W. State Street, Boise, ID. Mass will be celebrated by Father John Worster.

Internment will take place at Dry Creek Cemetery in a private ceremony for family at a later date.