Eriberto S. Perez

USN Ret CPO Eriberto S Perez, also known as Bert or Berting, 87, of Woodbridge, VA died peacefully at Brookdale Lake Ridge Assisted Living in Woodbridge on 5 December 2024. He was born on 12 December 1936 in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines to Silverio and Brigida Perez who preceded him in death. Mr. Perez came to the United States in 1959 as a United States Navy recruit and by 15 December 1964, he completed one of his proudest achievements - he qualified for submarines, first serving on the U.S.S. Baya. From 1972-1976 Mr. Perez proudly served on his final submarine, the USN’s first and finest nuclear-powered sub, the U.S.S. Nautilus. After retiring from the USN in 1979, he went on to his next career as the inventory control manager at The Alexandria Hospital until his retirement in 1998. Mr. Perez is preceded in death by his wife, Esmeralda “Neneng” Perez. They met on 20 December 1966, he proposed on 24 December 1966, and they received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on 7 January 1967. He is survived by sons, Rev. Edwin E Perez of Luray, VA and Earle E Perez of Woodbridge, VA, and daughter Eileen B Perez of Woodbridge, VA. Mr. Perez was a proud Lolo of his grandchildren, Emerald “Ella” Smuzynski of Raleigh, NC and USMC Cpl Aristotle “Aris” Smuzynski, of Gibsonville, NC. Mr Perez was also a Tito, Tatay, Kuya, and Lolo to friends-like-family throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews in the Philippines survive him as well. Mr. Perez was a man of few words, but his voice was loud and clear through his love language - acts of service. He was best known for cooking and sharing his specialties: pandesal, ensaymada, and chicken rolls. After retiring, Mr Perez found great joy in keeping his hands busy making handmade rosaries which included carving wood to make his own beads. Mr and Mrs Perez donated many rosaries to share their faith in hopes of leading others to pray more, and any donations received went to offertories or to making more rosaries. In his final years, Mr Perez’s acts of service as a father echoed back to him from his children. They feel honored to have had the privilege of returning his love by helping him adjust to life as a widower and caring for him as he finished out his time on earth. His family thanks the Brookdale Lake Ridge staff and administration for the care, compassion, and kindness they gave Mr Perez everyday. Mr. Perez was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans - Northeastern Virginia Chapter 48. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: DAV Chapter 48; Northeastern Virginia; PO Box 7083; Woodbridge, VA 22195. Please include “In memory of Eriberto Perez” in the memo. The family will receive visitors Thursday, 19 December 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, Virginia 22192. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, 20 December 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12805 Valleywood Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192 with interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery 1 p.m.

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Eriberto S. Perez

December 5, 2024