Horace Joseph Perez was called home by his Jesus on September 22, 2026, passing away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 92. Horace was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart Marie Burst Perez after 55 years of marriage. He is survived their three children: Diane Perez Barras (Corky), Peter Perez (Melanie) and Sheila Campo (Vincent); his four grandchildren, Dana Orgeron (Tommy), Peter Perez Jr. (Sarah), Paul Perez (Elizabeth), and Vincent "Vinnie" Campo Jr. (Brittany); and his 13 great-grandchildren, Marie "Mia" Otillio, Sophia, Liam, David, Petra, Serena, Samuel, Elliott, Eva, Audrey, Vincent “Tripp,” Beau and George. He is also survived by his spouse Dianne Duckworth Perez after 16 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Anthony Perez and Mary Paratore Perez, and his brother Peter Anthony Perez, Jr.

Mr. Perez was blessed to be able to spend his last years living with his children who cared for him.

Horace grew up in the Mid-City neighborhood, where he attended St. Joseph Grammar School and Rugby Academy. His fondest memories include being an altar server at St. Joseph’s Church, playing with his dog Jinks, swimming at the Fontainebleau Hotel in the summer and being an avid amateur boxer at St. Henry’s gym, and riding NOPD horses.

Mr. Perez proudly served on the USS Hess Destroyer in the United States Navy during the Korean war. After an Honorable Discharge, he was employed by the New Orleans Police Department for 32 years, where he achieved the rank of Captain, serving in the First, Third and Fifth Districts. Captain Perez also served in the Patrol Bureau, was the Director of Civil Defense Unit, the Director of the Crime Lab and the Supervisor of the Emergency Medical Services Department. Representing his fellow officers, he also held office on the Police Association of New Orleans and the Fraternal Order of Police. The highlight of his career was being awarded the Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Civil Service Award, the highest honor state employees can receive for their service to the citizens of Louisiana. On New Year’s Eve 1972, Lieutenant Perez was shot by the Howard Johnson sniper Mark Essex while assisting a downed fellow officer in an ambush on the New Orleans Police Department Central Lock-up.

Mr. Perez was a very active member of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church and was a dedicated member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he served as President. A faithful adorer at St. Edward’s Adoration Chapel, he also served as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and was a champion for unborn babies and regularly picketed the abortion facilities. For his devoted Catholic service, he and his wife Marie were awarded one of the most cherished awards presented in the Archdiocese, the Order of St. Louis, the highest honor given to members of the laity who have made outstanding contributions of their time and talent to the Church.

After his retirement, Mr. Perez engaged in many activities including participating in activities at the World War II Museum where he was a semifinalist in Stage Door Idol, the museum’s singing competition, and playing pool and biking with his best friend Bob in the neighborhood. Because he enjoyed nature, he always wanted to protect the birds and beautify Metairie. So, Horace and Bob surreptitiously planted hundreds of trees all over Metairie!

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Mrs. Isela and the staff at Home Instead for their compassionate care.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Boulevard, Metairie, LA, Friday, September 25, 2026, at 12:30 Noon. Visitation will begin at 10:45 AM until Mass time. Interment will be in Hope Mausoleum 4841 Canal St. New Orleans, La.

In lieu of flowers, Masses or a donation to St. Vincent DePaul Society are preferred.

MOTHE Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting his memorial page at: www.mothefunerals.com.