May 25, 2017
This is to inform you that FR. FRANCISCO M. PEREZ, S. J. died this morning in The Medical City. Fr. Perez, 89, entered the Society on 30 July 1950 and was ordained a priest on 15 June 1963.
Wake: The wake starts tomorrow (this evening, if the body is ready) in the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University campus, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Daily wake Masses at 8 p.m.
Funeral Mass: On Monday, 29 May at 8 a.m., also in the Oratory of St. Ignatius.
Interment: Sacred Heart Novitiate Jesuit Cemetery, right after the Funeral Mass.
Requiescat in pace.
BIOGRAPHY OF FR. FRANCISCO M. PEREZ, SJ (1927-2017)
By Sch. Amado T. Tumbali, SJ
Asst. Prov. Archivist
Fr. Francisco Mendoza Perez, S.J. was born on 10 October 1927 in Sta. Maria, Bulacan where he attended primary (1933-40) and secondary (1942-43) education. World War II cut short his studies as he joined guerilla activities (1943-1945) and later the Air Support Section, 148 Field Artillery Battalion, 112th Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army (1944-1945). As a pilot he helped identify the enemy’s coordinates along the Sierra Madre and Antipolo hills. Fr. Cisco loved to share with his students how he had discovered his priestly vocation while resting in the Sierra Madre forest. After the war, he returned to Sta. Maria High School to finish basic education (1947). He then moved on to FEATI Flying School, Grace Park (1947), the University of Sto. Tomas (Pre-Med. & Medicine; 1947-49) and the Philippine Air Force Flying School in Batangas (1950).
Wearing his pilot’s training uniform, Cisco applied to the Jesuits and entered Sacred Heart Novitiate on 30 July 1950. Some of his batch mates were Frs. Carlos Abesamis, Guido Arguelles, Hilario Belardo, Joaquin Bernas, Rafael Borromeo, Ramon Enojado, Jess Fernandez, Fred Balinong, Ernie Javier, Pedro Sevilla, and Felixberto Trinidad. After juniorate (1952-55), he went south to Berchmans College, Lahug, Cebu City (1955-1958) and earned his A.B. and M.A. in Philosophy. Regency was in Ateneo de Zamboanga (1958-1960), where he taught English and Math; he also moderated the Sodality, Intramurals, Brebeuf club, Senior (Air) Scouts, and Judo club. Massachusetts, U.S.A. followed, to study Bachelor in Sacred Theology at Weston College (1960-64). Cisco was ordained a deacon in the Weston College Chapel on 14 June 1963 and a priest the following day by Bishop Thomas F. Riley, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. Tertianship was at St. Joseph Hall, Decatur, Illinois (1964-65). Priestly formation concluded, Fr. Perez was sent to Fordham University (1965-66) where he finished M.S. Biology. There he also pronounced final vows on 15 August 1966.
Fr. Perez’s entire priestly life was spent in various tasks at Ateneo de Manila University. He was teacher and chair of the Biology Department, student counselor, confessor of students in the College (1967-72); prefect of boarders (1968-72). He then became chair of the Natural Science Department in the High School (1972-82). Besides counseling and serving as confessor, he was moderator of the Biology club (1977-83); teacher of Physics (1978-79) and Chemistry (1979-80); moderator of the Parapsychology and Photography clubs (1982-85); chair of the Computer Education Department (1987-97); moderator of Golf club (1987-95). He taught Computer Education until a year ago (1995-2016). On top of all these, he was also a member of the board of directors of marine research for Sarmiento Corporation (1972-73), a teacher of Healing Arts: Taichi and Qi-Gong during evenings at Moro Lorenzo Gym (2000-2012). He was also known for his butterfly farm at the Jesuit Residence.
In 2016, Fr. Perez transferred to the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center. His health gradually declined, he was hospitalized with lung failure from pneumonia. At the age of 89 he died at 5 a.m. on 25 May 2017 in The Medical City. Of 53 priestly years passionately reconciling faith and natural science, he offered 44 to the Ateneo de Manila High School.
Wito Bautista on May 25, 2017 AT 12 pm
He was our teacher, Integrated Physical Science first year high 1982/1983
Willie Gonzales on May 26, 2017 AT 06 am
The most fun we ever had in any subject. Frogs, winemaking, being empowered to do whatever you imagined. Thank you, Fr. Perez.
Juan "Bulit" Solis 2A 1982-83 on May 26, 2017 AT 08 pm
Without using more than a few words, he got Franz Bonoan and I to admit to vandalism. I think Fino Ruiz, or was it Rico Santos who was also with us? Rest In Peace.
P on June 8, 2017 AT 01 am
He surprised us on the first day of Computer class in HS by calling us by pointing to us and calling us by our first names, one by one.
Josie Fischer on July 19, 2017 AT 10 pm
Everytime there was a family gathering, Tio Kiko always there for us. You are always in our prayers.
Pinoy Jesuits on July 20, 2017 AT 12 am
Thank you for message. Let’s continue to pray for Fr Kiko’s eternal repose. God bless!
Marie Eustaquio Shanks on July 20, 2017 AT 07 am
Lolo Kiko you are always in our heart and in my prayers.you will never forgotten as loving and thoughtful lolo.I missed your jokes..We know you are now in heaven with your parents and my mom and dad..We are so proud of you ..Thank you Lolo Kiko for everything.
Pinoy Jesuits on July 21, 2017 AT 01 am
Hi Marie, thanks for remembering Fr Kiko. Let’s continue to pray for his eternal repose. God bless!
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