Francis “Cheech” Perez

Francis “Cheech” Perez, 84, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 in the Colonial Park Home.

He was born on October 22, 1934 in Rome the son of John and Katherine Voci Perez. On June 30, 1956 in St. John the Baptist Church he married Joan Viverito. He graduated from RFA in 1953 and attended MVCC. He was a proud member of the US Army from 1957 to 1959.

Cheech owned and operated Perez TV and Appliances. He was an Oneida County Legislator for 26 years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of the GAFB Military Affairs Committee, Ways and Means Committee and the Fire Board of Oneida County. He was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church. He was a former member of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Toccolana Club, Rome Country Club and the Rome Elks. Cheech made many friends and acquaintances through his business and political career. A man of his word and a true friend to all who knew him.

Francis is survived by his beloved family, his wife of 62 years, Joan, a son David Perez of Rome; two sisters, Dolores (Donald) VanDresar of Camden, Kathleen (Joe Vescio) Perez of Camden; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sonny and Dawn Viverito of Rome; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Perez and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, James “Jimmy” Perez in 1985 and a brother, John Perez in 1979.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of A wing at Colonial Park Nursing Home; especially Sharon, Emma, Linda, Corey and Marie.

Funeral services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Abe Esper as celebrant. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the Church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Francis’ memory to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.