Obituary of Michael J. Perez

ILION – Michael J. Perez, age 52, a longtime Ilion resident, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 24, 2021, at the Mohawk Valley Health System St. Luke’s Campus. His passing occurred after a brief illness with the love and support of his devoted family at his side. Born on February 21, 1969, Michael is the son of Sandra Spina and the late Ishmael Perez, Jr. He was raised and educated locally and was a graduate from Whitesboro High School with the Class of 1988. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted with the United States Army and served his country until receiving his honorable discharge in 1991. For over twenty-six years, Mike has shared in an inseparable union with the love of his life, the former Carol Nicolette. They honored their bond by getting married on May 21, 2016 and Michael remained Carol’s protector and best friend until his very last breath. Mike was currently employed with the Walmart Distribution Center #6038 where he has been a hard working and faithful employee for 27 years. He was also a member of the Whitestown American Legion and of the Ilion Community Church. In his free time, Michael was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. He also frequently watched and attended Syracuse University sports and was a season ticket holder for the Utica College Pioneers hockey team. In his younger years, he was a proud member of the Whitesboro Warriors 1986 championship football team; he was also gifted at the games of bowling, hockey and softball. Mike was a true friend to everyone. He was easy going and always willing to lend a helping hand and for this he was loved by all who knew him. Nothing gave him greater joy than being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren who adored their “Papa”. His legacy will forever live on in those he leaves behind. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Perez; his children, Gene Dufresne (Ashley Dandrea) and Alysia Dufresne (Marc Neff); his mother, Sandra Spina (Earl Goodhines); his sisters, Michelle (Perez) Warney (Chuck) and Jacki Perez (Chris Wetherbee); and his grandchildren, Makenna and Xavier Dufresne and Camden and Austen Dandrea. He also leaves his in-laws, Gerry and Joann Nicolette, Jim Nicolette and Debbie, Jean and Walt Scram, Doug and Lori Nicolette, and Martin Nicolette and Jena; his special friends, Chris Reese and Steve and April Allen; many nieces, nephews and extended family members, with special mention of his nephews, Joe Blanchard and Ashley Harrington and Brandon and Becka Blanchard; and his beloved feline companion, Snicker. Michael was predeceased by his father, Ishmael Perez; his parents-in-law, Sam and Ann Nicolette; and his grandparents, Joseph and Virginia Spina and Ishmael and Lucy Perez. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning, October 1, 2021 at 11:00AM at the funeral home with Pastor Dean Mabry of the Ilion Community Church officiating. Final burial services with full military honors will take place on the following Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11:00AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Mike’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mike’s family has entrusted his final arrangements to Funeral Directors, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.