Raymundo "Masso" Perez

RAYMUNDO "MASSO" PEREZ EDINBURG - Raymundo S. Perez Sr., 82, entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 3, 2013. Raymundo was born in Alamo, Texas on July 24, 1931. He resided in Edinburg, Texas and was a loyal member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Raymundo was a true pillar to his community and a patron and political advocate to his hometown of Edinburg, Texas and Hidalgo County. Raymundo, also known as "El Masso" was a strong worker, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Despite only receiving a third grade education, Raymundo displayed the leadership skills to successfully manage the Rio Tex Citrus Association, Robert Ruiz Produce, Davis Produce, as well as Patillo Produco Co. in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout his career he served as a dedicated worker and plant manager at many farm, ranch and produce plants all across the country. Raymundo had a love and talent as a guitar player and singer in a conjunto band, known as Grupo Galeana, that entertained friends and family, as well as Gov. John Connally in 1963. He also dedicated his musical talent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church choirs. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Frederico, Amadeo, Apolinar and Matias Perez; a sister, Trinidad Perez Rodriguez; and a granddaughter, Vanessa Renee Perez. Raymundo is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Felipa G. Perez; his children, Fred (Estella) Perez, Nora (Feliciano) Gomez, Bobby (Norma) Perez, Ronny (Sylvia) Perez, Ray (Esmeralda) Perez Jr. and George (Roseanne) Cardenas; 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Arbor View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the care given to Grandpa Masso; as well as to their friends and family for their support, prayers and condolences. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary today, December 4, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 East Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg