Louis J. Perez

Louis J. Perez, born in Niagara Falls on March 13, 1932, was raised in the Village of La Salle by his loving parents, Meta E. and Louis A. Perez.

Even during the dark days of the Great Depression, Lou recalled his boyhood as sunny and carefree. He was part of large family, many of whom had emigrated to the U.S. from Asturias, Spain.

He attended Evershed Elementary school where, as a sensitive child, he sympathized with the struggle of many immigrant children to gain acceptance and respect.   Later he graduated from LaSalle Middle School and LaSalle Senior High School, where he excelled as a student, athlete, and as a popular leader in  student government. Awarded a Presidential Scholarship, he attended St. Lawrence University in Canton NY, graduating in 1954, and with a law degree from Cornell Law School in 1957.   

He was employed at the Findlay, Argy, Hackett and Reid law firm in Niagara Falls before forming a partnership with an
attorney, James Mallam. Later he established his own law practice where Douglas Crowley became a partner. Before his retirement in 1997, Lou served as a consultant to Whitney Mallam, Rita Hager, and David Mansour.

He was the Village attorney for fourteen years in Youngstown, NY, where he and his wife, Norah, raised three sons, Patrick, Matthew and Jonathan.

Throughout his long life,  Lou was a considerate, thoughtful man, with a broad and compassionate outlook.   Strongly supportive of liberal causes, he was deeply respectful of the rule of law, and was always concerned about intolerance and injustice to others.

He also enjoyed many theatrical productions at the Stratford Ontario Festival, The Shaw Festival at Niagara on the Lake, and the Irish Classic Theater in Buffalo, NY: Lou appreciated good wine, the wide perspective of the New York Times, and after a move
to Lewiston, NY in 2001, he created and maintained a colorful garden, to the delight of his wife who appreciated the beautiful bouquet delivered daily by her warm, playful, and affectionate husband.

Lou is survived by Norah, sons, Matthew, Jonathan (Val Cerabone), and Patrick, and his grandchildren, Benjamin and Tiffany. He also considered Julie Nicklas, formerly of Lewiston, as a beloved "adopted" daughter.

There will be no visitation, but a Celebration of Life is planned for the summer of 2020, where Gordon Lightfoot will sing, love, laughter and Proscecco will flow, and family and friends will recall the handsome gentleman whose kindness, generosity of heart, and quiet decency recalled the political ardor and idealism of an earlier generation.

Condolences may be expressed via www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis J. Perez, please visit our floral store.