Obituary | David Perez

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 donation information please visit: 

www.LightAndHealing4David.com

25 thoughts on “Obituary | David Perez

  1. David and Angie were part of our Piedmont memories of raising our kids together.
    What a team always sharing their love of life and each other with all of us.
    Our family sends our heart felt condolences to the Perez Family.

  2. Angie, since your days on Grand Ave to your move to York Drive, I’ve loved being counted among the legions of friends and admirers who share in some small way the shocking and tragic loss of your Dave. We all consider him “our” Dave, because he made us all feel that way. From my family to yours, we send our most sincere condolences. Whomever wrote the description of that marvelous man captured his essence beautifully.
    – Kathy Cooper

  3. Dearest Angie, Jacqueline, and Michael,
    We are deeply saddened by the news that Dave is no longer with us. However, we rejoice in having known him. We so enjoyed his special magic and friendship for many years. For that we are eternally grateful.
    When Franz Schubert wrote, “Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts…and we are never the same”…he was describing Dave. He will forever live on in our loving memories of him.
    May you feel David’s grace and blessings in the faces of each other, your children, and grand children.
    Wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
    With heart-felt sympathy for your loss,
    Barbara and Jim Fetherston

  4. I’ll always remember the way the staff of QBF lit up when Dave came through the door each morning. He was a kind and generous man, and made a lasting impact on my career. We’ll miss you Dave! Rest In Peace.

  5. No words exist in any language to express how sad and difficult to accept my good friend Dave pass!sing. I embrace with love and friendship all of you :Angie, Jacqueline and Michael!!! God will give you the strength and resignation !🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😘😘😘😘

  6. No words are adequate here from my dear friend Davey. Never to be forgotten the foot prints we formed on 11th Street of West Oakland. A brother, a friend and now a gate usher at heaven door. Just maybe if my life mirrors Davey he and I will forever laugh and play forever in heavens paradise.

  7. Dave – We will miss seeing your smiling face in the neighborhood. We have been so blessed to know you and your wonderful family. Your spirit, kindness, and laughter will live on in our hearts and memories. May you Rest In Peace. Love and prayers to the entire Perez Family ❤️

  8. Dear Perez family,
    My heart goes out to you and all who love Dave. I met him as a child visiting Renee when he introduced himself as “Disco Dave”! Over the years it was such a joy to run into him and catch up. As mentioned in the beautifully written obituary, Dave too would advise me on life decisions, always lending an ear and dispensing nuggets of wisdom with his trademark kindness. I am blessed to have known him. He sensed I came from a dysfunctional family and asked me to call him “Uncle Dave”. He is truly the only Uncle I have ever loved and respected. I love you Uncle Dave! Heaven has the most incredible new angel. ❤️

  9. The Vasquez / Gutierrez Family sends our deepest condolences to the Perez Family. We are Praying for each of you during this difficult time.

  10. No words can exemplify the kind of men, friend, father but overall husband David was!!
    Is a tremendous physical loss, but he will always be in our hearts!
    Having David in our family was a blessing!! I will always remember him as the funniest, caring and lovely father to my cousins!!
    Loved to be around him at all the stages of my life, when a was a kid he will drive us anywhere we wanted in DR, Haina or Monte Planta with funny jokes and a big smile and even last time when I visited you all in SFO now being a grown up… he was the same guy to drive us around and made us laugh all time!!

    Angie, Jackie and Michael congratulations for having such a wonderful husband and dad in your life! He will always be with you all!

  11. Rest In Peace my friend! There in no consolation in my heart ! Your life was a blessing and I have no doubts that you are already shinning in heaven among all angels and our Father!

  12. Our family has been blessed to be neighbors- and now close friends with Dave and Angie and their kids, Jacquiline (And Berto!) and Michael too. Our kids and us feel so connected to the entire family and Mikey Beau and Luna too! Dave’s loss is felt so deeply. His mark on our hearts is forever. May his memory be for a blessing.

    • We have been blessed to know Dave and his family as our neighbors. When we first moved to Piedmont he was so welcoming. Indeed, he has always been the life of our July 4th block parties; we loved his deep booming voice (we always knew when Dave arrived) ! Positive healing thoughts to the entire Perez family. XO

  13. We are so sad to hear of David’s passing. David has always been larger than life to me, and I’ve known him since a Lincoln elementary school! We send our love to Angie and the family! Peggy and Larry Woon

  14. A great tribute to a great man! To those in the Perez family I know (Angie, Jacqueline and Michael), I love you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  15. Dave was just the best. I will miss his big smile and zeal for life. He was one of those rare special people that would
    light up a room. Dave made the world a better place for all that knew him. May he Rest In Peace.

  16. Such a lovely man with such a tremendous family. All our love.
    Sue and John Malick, Mollie and Dave Bigley, Nick and Rebecca Malick, Andy Malick and wife Linda Skemp.

    • Michael – I’m thinking of your family and sending you all of my best thoughts right now. I love this tribute to your dad. Your smile, big heart, and humor must have come from him. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
      – Jill Pervere Saper

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