Pablo M. Perez was born January 15, 1951 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Leandro and Epifania "Fannie" Martinez Perez.
Pablo (Dad) grew up with a big family of 7 brothers and sisters who he admired and loved dearly. Pablo was also known as “EL RUCO” which was his stage name. Pablo was an accomplished and talented accordion player who not only played the accordion he mastered a lot of the other instruments like the bajo sexto, bass guitar, congas and drums. He also had an amazing voice that to the end he continued singing and moving his fingers. Pablo (Dad, Grandpa to us) started playing music at age 11. He knew that if he wanted to join his big brother’s band, that he would have to teach himself. So that he did and became very good at it.
After his brothers went to start their own lives, Dad continued playing music and brought his only son along with him who helped him record his music. Dad writing, playing and singing while his son recording his music. They made music together. Pablo was honored and inducted into the Tejano Conjunto Roots Hall of fame and brought home an award. We are proud to say his music is being played on the radio and it is now bittersweet to hear his songs play. Anyone that knew Dad knew he didn’t care for fame or anything like that he just loved to make music.
Not only did dad make you dance with his music, but he also made you laugh. Dad was full of jokes who always made you laugh, those type of laughs where you couldn’t breathe. At the end of his days, he still was making us laugh with his serious face; mixed with dark humor. Right before his passing he knew his time was near, but still managed to make us laugh by saying things like “Tell Bonnie (ME) it’s time to turn on the ovens." He knew we would be so heart broken without him. He knew he would be coming on this journey. He thought it was so cool. His love for the Universe, the Moon and all the planets was another passion of his.
Pablo(Dad) was known to many people. He was a man with a loving heart and judged no one. He had opened his home and heart to many friends and family who needed family in their lives. His motto was “No matter what it is you want to do with your life. Do it and be good at it!" He would say “Follow your dreams." One of his songs said this “Cuiden se Su Vida dejen la mia” - Take care of your life, leave mine alone. He lived by those words. He lived on his own terms and left this world on his own terms.
Pablo (Dad, Grandpa) is survived by his sister Janie Perez whom he was always close to and loved very much, Sister Dolores Perez (Isreal), His brothers who he bonded with by playing music Dr. Jesse (Chuy) Perez (Collen Perez), Joe Perez (Rosa Perez), Raymond Perez(Yolanda Perez). His Sister-in-law Josie and Robert Guzman and Brother-in-law Margarito and Beatrice Martinez. Those lucky to see him again are his Mom and Dad, his Brothers Narciso”Chicho” Perez and Pedro “Pete” Perez who I am sure are playing music with him and his 2 little sisters who left this world at a very young age. His In-laws Cipriano and Eva Martinez, nephews Ricky Martinez and Bobby Guzman.
Pablo had many nieces and nephews who he loved and had a special relationship with each of them.
Those who are deeply affected by his passing and who are left with uncontrollable tears are his loving wife of 55yrs Mary Ann Martinez Perez, his only son Pablo M Perez Jr, His daughter Yvonne “Bonnie” Dolores Perez (Manuel Gonzalez) and his daughter Attorney Diana Perez Esq. His grandchildren whom he loved very much are Myleena Seniceros, Naudia Gonzalez, Annaliz Gonzalez, Manuel Gonzalez IV (Evelyn), Jillian Gonzalez (Elida), Travis Rey Perez, Thadius Perez, Allison Perez and Madison Perez (Jay). His Great Grandchildren who got to know him Janessa Ramirez, Jeziah Ramirez, Eli Hanks, Alayah Hanks, Giovanni Bureiaga and Baby Manuel Gonzalez V.
What can I say?? Pablo was loved by so many. We are the ones left to cherish his memories, dance to his music and make him proud. And that WE will do!
Til we see you again Dad - we will mourn you until we join you.
