Obituary

David Perez was always that man you wanted to sit next to at an event because you knew he’d make it fun simply being in his company. He could make anyone feel comfortable, special, and appreciated. He had this unique ability to magically connect with people from all walks of life. But first and foremost, David was the most dedicated husband and father.  His life’s journey ended all too soon as he fell victim to complications from the  COVID-19 virus and passed away on October 14 surrounded by family at the age of 68.

Dave was the beloved husband of his wife of 44 years, Angie, and proud father of his children, Anthony, Jacqueline and Michael. He valued family above all and loved his grandchildren dearly; Mikey Beau and Luna (Jacqueline & Roberto) and Izaya, Ora and Nia (Anthony & Blanca).

Born and raised in Oakland by parents Jesus and Connie, Dave was constantly surrounded by family including siblings - Jessie, Becky, Josephine, and Rick. From the scrappy streets of West Oakland to the famed house on Spruce Street, Dave grew up to be a marvelous man with strong family roots, impressive street-cred, and above all, integrity. 

Dave was larger than life; he lived everyday to the fullest and knew that the key to a happy life was to make the people around him happy. Dave was a gregarious, fun-loving and genuinely sweet man. He was known to walk into a room and announce “Hoy comienza la fiesta”, Now the party begins.  He had a unique ability to relate, connect and share his uplifting contagious demeanor with anyone who crossed his path. It simply just felt good to be in his presence.

Dave loved to travel and explore the world - always with Angie by his side.  As a genuinely  loving husband, the two of them made an extraordinary couple.  Their sincere love for each other was one of envy and a prime example of what a lifelong relationship should be.

Dave also loved tennis - from the courts of Piedmont Recreation to the Claremont Tennis Club, he always brought his A game and a good attitude. Every year, he and Angie would venture down to Palm Desert for the Indian Wells Tennis tournament which later evolved into a highly anticipated annual family outing with kids and grandkids in tow. Dave was a fan of all kinds of music; soul, pop, classic rock but especially Latin - he never turned down an opportunity to dance and liven up a party or privately twirl Angie around the kitchen. He and Angie were an exceptionally devoted couple on and off the dance floor.

Dave would always joke that Quality Body & Fender was his first child; the family-run business he poured his heart into starting in1979 with the support of his father, Jesus.  He believed in treating all clients, employees and partners equally and with the utmost respect. He spent his entire life serving the communities of Oakland, Piedmont, and Berkeley - establishing deep relationships and growing Quality into one of the best auto body shops in town. Proof of his self-made enterprise was the recognition he earned from California’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce honoring his dedication and services to the Hispanic community as a renowned Latino business owner. 

Dave was a lion of a man with the most sincere and gentle soul. He loved so generously and was loved in return by all who knew him.  People of all ages and all walks of life would look to Dave for support, guidance and advice.  He had a knack for counseling friends and family on important life matters; from who you should marry and what house to buy to raising your kids and business ventures. He truly was an influential and selfless man - someone who will be missed tremendously.  Dave left his stamp on the world and an imprint on all of us - may he live on forever in our memories and be honored for his legacy. The world has lost a remarkable person, one who will remain in our hearts forever.

Memorial Information

A private Funeral Service will be held at The Chapel of the Chimes on Thursday, Oct. 29th @ 11am PST for family only.  A live-stream video broadcast will be available for all those who would like to join virtually.

Following the service, an honorary Funeral Procession will make its way down Oakland’s Broadway Auto Row, passing by Quality Body & Fender, and culminating at the Mountain View Cemetery for interment. This driveby procession will give all those who worked and respected Dave the opportunity to say their final goodbyes.

The Perez family plans to honor Dave in true form, exemplifying his charismatic and friendly personality, with a large-scale Celebration of Life event at a later date.  A tribute party will be held, complete with music, laughter, and fun bringing together all those he touched in a safe and honorary way.

For additional funeral details, virtual Guest Book, and Tribute Wall please visit Dave's Chapel of the Chimes memorial page: bit.ly/DavidPerezMemorial