Mario Paunlagui Perez

Mario Paunlagui Perez, 54, born on May 24, 1960, in Quezon City, Philippines, passed away June 15, 2014. He resided in Corona, California, at the time of his passing. His parents were Armando Razon Perez and Perseveranda Manlabat Paunlagui. He is survived by his wife, Cristina Angela Navato Perez, his daughter Catherine Nicole Perez, and his siblings and their spouses, Jaime and Bot Perez, Marilou and Dennis Lanceta, Mel and Arline Perez, and Merle Perez. He had seven nephews and nieces, Celina Perez-Clement, Alena Perez, Michael and Melissa Lanceta, Leilani Mayezaki, Robert and Daniel Perez, and his grand nephew, Kekoa. He will also be missed by his in-law's Madeleine and Larry Gregorio, Mel and Sonia Navato and their kids, Brandon and Karla, and his sister-in-law Trish and her husband Eric.

Mario moved to the United States with his family at an early age and lived in Los Angeles until they bought a family home in Cerritos, CA. He and Tina met at Cerritos College in 1986 and got married in 1990. At first they lived in Anaheim, CA, then moved to Artesia, CA after Catherine was born in 1991. They moved to Corona in 1991, and worked at Corona Regional Medical Center.

Mario graduated from Loma Linda University and enjoyed his career in Physical Therapy. He did home health therapy and will be missed by many of his patients, many of whom would keep asking for him to see them.

Mario had many hobbies, which included surfing (his favorite!), fishing, shooting, dirt bike riding, playing basketball, and golfing. He loved the Lord, attended Crossroads Christian Church in Corona, and attended our neighborhood weekly bible study. He made a lot of friends and touched many peoples lives, with his laughter, his silly jokes, and a caring and helpful attitude.

He was the ultimate family man, who took good care of his wife, his daughter and their dog, Rondo. They have made many special memories, with vacations to tropical places (he mostly wanted to go where he could surf), Friday date nights (which started when they were just dating), camping in Yosemite, and hanging out at his favorite surf spot in Seal Beach.

Mario lived a full life and committed his life to serving God. Now, he is home.