Obituary: Deacon Ted Perez

In loving memory of Diácono Teodoro Preciado Perez, Jr. 6th child of Teodoro and Maria Del Rosario Perez on the 24th day of February 1944 in Nogales Son, Mexico.

As a youngster, “Yo-yo” took apprenticeship in Sosa’s Tailor Shop in Nogales, sweeping floors, running errands and eventually learned the trade. He would memorize lines in English to serve the American customers while hoping they did not go off subject because he would have no idea what they were saying. Sosa helped Teodoro immigrate to the US in 1965 seeing in him determination to learn and succeed in Tucson. He worked with actor John Wayne, several of the University of Arizona basketball players, Coach Lute Olson, and Jose Cancholla of the Mc Dias franchise among the many other celebrities and pillars of the community.

A year after immigrating, he married the love of his life, Juanita Ramirez of Arandas Jalisco, on January 3, 1966, ending their 3-year courtship. They settled here in Tucson, Az and would have 3 children, Rosaana, Teo and Josecito. He raised his children not only by working his 40 hour commitment but also had a small janitorial business. He would work evenings and weekends, with his family by his side, (cheap labor) to insure his family had everything they needed.

September 29,1979, life changed for Teodoro and Juanita when they lived an “Encuentro Conjugal” organized by the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano. This is where he heard his calling to serve God. 1980, he became a Cursillista. Then came charismatic movement, Spanish ministry in the Diocese of Tucson and many other ministries. All his ministries brought Teodoro to his highest calling.

May 31, 2008, Teodoro was ordained in the Diocese of Tucson and his surname became “Diácono”. He was a third-degree Knight of Columbus, volunteered in prison ministry and served his St Joseph Parish community and the whole of the Diocese with love and a little bit of laughter. Diáconos highest honor was to serve Mass at the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Diácono went home to his hacienda in heaven on Thursday September 17, 2026 at 82 years Young. He is survived by his beloved wife, Juanita R Perez, children Rosaana (Randy) Lopez, Teodoro F Perez III, and Jose Carlos G (Cecelia) Perez, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, also his surviving siblings Johnny and Lupita. Last but, not least all the families who considered Diácono a father figure and Tata Bear to the multitude of children he baptized.