Charles L. Perez

On June 1, 2025, Charles L Perez Sr., Charlie, was called home and into the arms of his Heavenly Father. He passed away in the care of Hospice at Allied Services Center City, Wilkes-Barre, with his adoring daughter at his side. Charles was the beloved son of the late Augustine Manuel Alonzo Perez & Catherine Stortz Perez.

Charles was born in Wilkes-Barre on October 3, 1937, the wedding anniversary of his parents. He grew up in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre and attended G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1955. In January 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Mary Lou Brown. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

As a young man, Charles was employed by Leib Brothers Meat Packing Company, followed by Robzens Inc. in the beef-packing industry. However, his love of auto mechanics and cars, coupled with a superior talent for repairs and bodywork, led him to a career in auto sales and services. He owned and operated Charlie's Used Cars, Parkway Motors, and later Charles Perez Trucking. Charles was a well-respected and trusted businessman.

Over the years, Charles developed and maintained many friendships. He was loyal and generous to a fault. His friends will tell you that he would do anything for anyone, that he would remove the shirt from his back if you needed it. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the loves and lights of his heart and life.

Charles was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mountaintop. He and his wife, Mary Lou, enjoyed and looked forward to the visitations that they had with Pastor Michelle Kaufman.

Charles lost far too early two very special and treasured family members: his grandson, Charles L. Perez III, in 2018, and his son, Charles L. Perez, Jr., in 2020. Also preceding him in death were his sisters Benetta Nardone and Dolores Jenceleski, and a brother, Joseph Perez.

In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by his daughter, Mary Lou Perez-Zerfoss & her husband, Frank Zerfoss, Wilkes-Barre; daughter-in-law Margie Lexie Perez, Nanticoke; grandchildren, the shining stars of his life, Jocelyn Zerfoss & her husband, Matthew Peppe, Exeter; Janelle Sienkiewicz and husband Scott, Bloomsburg; Tyler Stobodzian, Kingston; Jillian Stobodzian, Nanticoke; adored great grandson Colby Perez & his mother Tiffany Wiencek, Wilkes-Barre; sister Lenore Langan & her husband Thomas, Mechanicsburg; cherished niece Cathy Naessig, Roaring Brook Twp.; numerous nephews and nieces.

We are grateful to Allied Services Center City and Hospice for providing excellent and compassionate care during the last weeks of Charles's life. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Rupp, Dr. James Jiunta, & Dr. Elizabeth Gernhardt for their medical attention and care over the decades.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a trust fund that was established for Colby Perez when his daddy passed away. Please make checks payable to Mary Lou Zerfoss, trust administrator, and send them to 9 S. Welles Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. 18702.

Celebration of Charles's Life begins Thursday, June 5, 2025, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues Friday, June 6, 2025, with a Funeral Service at 11 AM at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, 316 South Mountain Boulevard in Mountain Top.

Share memories and condolences with Charles's family at mjmclaughlin.com