Manuel Pérez Varela

Manuel Perez Varela, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at Emanuel Hospital in Turlock, California, at the age of 87. Born on April 30, 1939, in Chihuahua, Mexico, Manuel was raised in Villa Escobedo and Parral, Chihuahua. On July 29, 1962, Manuel married the love of his life, Maria del Refugio Benitez Perez, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Together they built a loving family and shared more than six decades of marriage. Manuel and his family made their home in Livingston, California, for over 50 years. He worked as a machine operator. He trained as a certified appliance and TV repairman and took great pride in his work. He retired in April 2004. Manuel earned his high school diploma after retirement. Manuel found great joy in life’s simple blessings. He was an avid reader. One of his favorite traditions was taking Sunday family day trips. A devoted member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Livingston, Manuel’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norbertha Varela; his father, Francisco Razcon-Perez; his sons, Francisco Javier Perez and Jesus Manuel Perez; his sisters, Lourdes Perez-Galvez and Rayo Torres-Ramirez; and his brother, Jesus Torres. Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Maria del Refugio Benitez Perez; his daughters, Martha P. Mendonca and her husband, James, and Alba Perez and her partner, Ricardo; his daughter-in-law, Anabel Caballero-Perez; his grandchildren, Jesus Manuel Perez and his partner, Jacky, Caleb Perez, Jacob Perez, Daniela Perez, Jared Perez, Cristian Emanuel Mendonca, and Sarai Perez; his great-granddaughter, Sofie Paula Perez; as well as many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory forever. Most important to Manuel was his family. He devoted his time as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love of God made him a truly spiritual man of faith, filled with noble sentiments that guided his life’s path. A Catholic rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Following mass, Manuel will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park. __________________________________________________________________________________ Manuel Pérez Varela, amado esposo, padre, abuelo, bisabuelo y fiel siervo de Dios, falleció pacíficamente el 7 de mayo de 2026 en el Hospital Emanuel de Turlock, California, a la edad de 87 años. Nacido el 30 de abril de 1939 en Chihuahua, México, Manuel se crió en Villa Escobedo y Parral, Chihuahua. El 29 de julio de 1962, Manuel contrajo matrimonio con el amor de su vida, María del Refugio Benítez Pérez, en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. Juntos formaron una familia llena de amor y compartieron más de seis décadas de matrimonio. Manuel y su familia vivieron en Livingston, California, durante más de 50 años. Trabajó como operario de maquinaria. Se formó como técnico certificado en reparación de electrodomésticos y televisores, y sentía gran orgullo por su trabajo. Se jubiló en abril de 2004. Tras su jubilación, Manuel obtuvo su diploma de bachillerato. Encontraba gran alegría en las pequeñas cosas de la vida. Era un ávido lector. Una de sus tradiciones favoritas era hacer excursiones familiares los domingos. Miembro devoto de la Iglesia Católica de San Judas en Livingston, la fe de Manuel era el pilar de su vida. Le precedieron en la muerte su madre, Norbertha Varela; su padre, Francisco Razcon-Perez; sus hijos, Francisco Javier Perez y Jesus Manuel Perez; sus hermanas, Lourdes Perez-Galvez y Rayo Torres-Ramirez; y su hermano, Jesus Torres. A Manuel le sobreviven su amada esposa, María del Refugio Benítez Pérez; sus hijas, Martha P. Mendonca y su esposo, James, y Alba Pérez y su pareja, Ricardo; su nuera, Anabel Caballero-Perez; sus nietos, Jesús Manuel Pérez y su pareja, Jacky, Caleb Pérez, Jacob Pérez, Daniela Pérez, Jared Pérez, Cristian Emanuel Mendonca y Sarai Pérez; su bisnieta, Sofie Paula Pérez; así como muchos sobrinos y sobrinas que atesorarán su recuerdo para siempre. Para Manuel, lo más importante era su familia. Dedicó su tiempo a ser un esposo, padre, abuelo y bisabuelo amoroso. Su amor por Dios lo convirtió en un hombre de fe profundamente espiritual, lleno de nobles sentimientos que guiaron su vida. El viernes 15 de mayo de 2026, a las 12:00 p. m., se celebrará un rosario católico y una misa de cuerpo presente en la Iglesia Católica del Sagrado Corazón. Tras la misa, Manuel será sepultado en el cementerio Turlock Memorial Park.

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Manuel Pérez Varela

April 30, 1939 - May 7, 2026