Kellie Bliss
4 min readJul 12, 2020

Memorial Mass Details for Albert J Perez in Pahrump, NV

ALBERT JOSEPH PEREZ

July 7, 1938 — July 11, 2020

On July 11, 2020 at the age of 82, Albert J Perez passed away with his loving wife, Pattie, by his side in his home in Pahrump, Nevada from an aggressive form of bladder cancer. He was at peace. The loss of his love and vibrant personality is felt not only by his family, but friends and former colleagues all over the country.

Albert was born on July 7, 1938 to Mary & Rito Perez of Des Moines, Iowa and attended Dowling High School.

In the early 60s, Al launched his career in finance with a Des Moines bank and then parlayed that experience into a role with Chrysler Credit where he spent 30 years moving about the country building a successful & exciting career with what eventually became Chrysler Financial through the Lee Iacocca regime, the K-Car, the Minivan and the PT Cruiser. One might say, they were the glory years of both Chrysler and Chrysler Financial. Albert lived in at least 8 cities over the course of a dozen transfers/moves with his favorites being Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Indianapolis, IN, Mission Viejo, CA and Melbourne, Australia.

In 1978, he met the love of his life, Pattie through mutual friends and their love affair is history. Together, they built a life that they loved with old friends, new friends and plenty of golf, travel, food, church and entertainment. Albert was never one to sit still except when at Mass, watching Hawkeye football or basketball or a really good movie.

After 30 years of service to Chrysler, Albert celebrated his retirement in Detroit where everyone recognized his perpetual high expectations, tenacity, mentorship, no-nonsense style and work ethic that only raised the bar for everyone.

We have many great stories and memories of Albert J. They define a man that dearly loved his family with great affection for his siblings and Mom and Dad, deep devotion to his wife, pride and love for his children, a heart of service and generosity to his Catholic Church and a supreme fondness for his Mexican-Italian heritage. He shared love, laughter and awe with his grandchildren who certainly kept him on his toes ushering in a new era of education, tech and creativity. Most importantly, he was a man of deep faith — a believer in the power of Christ and Everlasting Life.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Mary & Rito, his brother Chico Perez and sister Rose Inman. He is survived by his “bride” of 42 years, Pattie (and their smart boy Blanci), his four children — AJ Perez (wife Kim) of West Des Moines, IA, Kellie Bliss (husband Tony) of St Charles, IL, Kevin Perez (wife Lisa) of Iowa City, IA, Derek Perez of Iowa City, IA and his precious grandchildren Alexandra Perez, Emily Perez, Marie Bliss, Izaak Perez, Anthony Bliss, Olivia Perez, Elias “Bubba” Perez, Ryan Gamble, Henry Bliss, Julius Perez, and Rito Perez. Additionally, his siblings Rita “Scootie”, Judy and Rito “Pepe” Perez of Des Moines and a couple dozen nieces and nephews. Albert will be deeply mourned by his family and his dear friends far and wide.

We will celebrate Albert’s Life with two Masses one near his home and the other in his final resting place. **Masks will be required to participate in the services. So please bring one. Social distancing, temp checks and other safety standards will be followed. If you do not feel well or have been exposed recently to someone with COVID, please do not attend.**

July 15, 2020 at 11AM Pacific Time with a rosary beginning at 10:15 PT

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 781 Gamebird Rd, Pahrump

** If you are not family, please call the church to place your name on a reservation list so that we can ensure that we are not exceeding the occupancy limits. (775) 727–4044**

Simple, outdoor reception to follow at Pahrump Winery, 3810 Winery Rd

We are grateful that Mass will be live-streamed. Special thanks to the parish and Niel Rohleder.

Join Zoom Meeting either via desktop or app (download ahead of time for no charge)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83544280520?pwd=aUxvaDF0QzR0clpxVUZqNUEweUFRdz09

Meeting ID: 835 4428 0520
Password: 781569

Please MUTE your microphone on your phone or computer.

Tentatively — Early the week of July 20, 2020. Details TBA.

St Ambrose Cathedral

600 High Street

Des Moines, Iowa

Burial following for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Albert’s most recent passion project — the Regina Caeli Parish Center Building Fund at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Pahrump For the last three years, Albert has dedicated much of his time raising money for their desert-town parish, assisting with financial counseling, running Fish Fry’s and being an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Checks may be made payable to Our Lady of the Valley, 781 E Gamebird Rd., Pahrump, NV 89048. In the memo line, please write: Building Fund — Al Perez. If you wish to donate online, please visit: ourladyofthevalleychurch.org. Thank you for your generosity and gift of faith.

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.