Orlando Augustine Perez passed away Tuesday, June 11 at 4:10am at Westchester Village of Lenexa.
Orlando was born on May 5, 1929 in Ciego de Avila, Cuba. He came from humble beginnings, with limited education. But his drive and high work ethic allowed him to quickly excel in the workplace. A young teenager was rapidly made into a young man.
In 1947, a young girl caught his eye and captivated his heart. Edelsa Garcia and Orlando Perez courted for four years until they married in March 10, 1951. The rest is, as they say, history.
Shortly after, they started a family. Orlando started his own business and Edelsa worked as a tailor.
Cuba’s political change would soon alter the course of Orlando’s life. Orlando knew that the only way his family was to survive, to be free and to thrive was to leave his native land. As a family along with Edelsa’s parents, they filed for political asylum to leave Cuba and come to the United States. Two long years later, they were granted legal immigration. Their son however would have to leave separately to Spain to avoid the Castro military and hopefully meet the family later. By the grace of God and the support of family, they were all reunited in Kansas City, Mo six months after their arrival in the US.
The family promptly rooted themselves in their new free land. And in 1979, the family was proudly granted legal citizenship. Through hard work, perseverance and a united family unit, they pursued and obtained the American dream. Orlando continued his trade and retired from Farmland Industries as a welder. His hobbies consisted of carpentry, photography and lots of music and dancing. But his first love was his wife, his family and his friends. Never a stranger to anyone he met, never forgetting his roots and culture and always wanting and working towards a better life. He was the family’s patriarch.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years; Edelsa Perez, his son Hugo Orlando Perez and wife Magaly Perez, his daughter Alba Noris Perez and partner Kent Allison, his grandchildren; Michelle Perez-Zarate and husband Ricardo Zarate; Nicole Perez-Wiker and husband Christopher Wiker; Derek Perez and wife Stephanie Perez. And last, but certainly not least, 6 amazing great grandchildren; Jefferson, Alexander, Jacob, Andrew, Daniel, and new baby boy Perez due October 2019.
Visitation for Orlando A. Perez will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home; 8535 Monrovia Lenexa, KS 66215.