Julio Perez, affectionately known as Cuco, 81, went on to walk the gardens of heaven on September 12th, 2024, after a short illness. A resident of Lake Placid since 1988, Julio was born on February 19, 1943, in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, where he left school and began to work the sugar cane fields at the age of 14.

By the age of 18 years old, Julio moved to Kennet Square, Pennsylvania to work the mushroom fields, and later went on to become a welder and bricklayer. At this time, he reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Lydia Santiago, who he adored for the next 53 years of his life. As a result of their union, Julio lovingly accepted Lydia's three children as his own and became the beloved father of Linda Ortiz, Dilma Ortiz, and Felix Acosta.

When his time as a bricklayer came to an end, he became the owner of a successful grocery store in Chester, Pennsylvania for many years until Julio and Lydia relocated to their dream home on a canal in Lake Placid, Florida. Soon after, they opened a new store named Julio's Latin Market in the neighboring city of Sebring where Julio learned to make legendary Cuban sandwiches. The business flourished as a hole-in-the-wall sweet spot whose main source of advertisement was word of mouth. He was featured in the local newspaper many times and won several awards for his sandwiches. Julio's Latin Market remained open for 20 years, until 2014, when Julio retired in exchange for spending his days doting on his wife, pampering their dogs, worshipping God, reading his Bible, meticulously manicuring his lawn, cultivating a beautiful garden, and sharing his yields with friends, family, and those in need.

Julio was an extremely loyal, giving, and simple person who required very little to reach contentment. His joy came from God, his family, and his garden. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and especially his great-grandchildren who were the apples of his eye. This earned him the nickname of "papa chocolate," a nod to his beautiful dark complexion in contrast to his fair, blue-eyed, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Over the years, Julio and Lydia regularly opened their home to friends and family members who needed refuge or a change of pace. Despite facing hardships at an early age, he achieved the American dream and became a comfort to all that knew him.

Julio was preceded in death by his parents, Cirilo Perez and Amelia Camacho; his sisters Dolores Camacho, Margarita Perez, Alicia Perez, and Marina Perez; his brothers, Ricardo Perez and Gregorio Perez; and his son-in-law Rueben Gonzales. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lydia Perez; his sister, Sara Perez; his brothers, Francisco Perez, Carlos Perez, Domingo Perez; his children, Linda Ortiz, Dilma Riddell, and Felix Acosta; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly McGee; his son-in-law Joseph Brennecke; his grandchildren, Davina Cupo (and her spouse, Jerry Cupo), Dana Riddell (and her spouse, Benny Aguilar Marrero), Amelia Gonzales, Alyssia Gonzales, Alejandro Acosta, Elyse Acosta, Miranda Acosta, Ian Acosta; his great-grandchildren, Vivian Cupo, Roman Aguilar, and Remi Aguilar.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM at Iglesia en Movimiento on September 21, 2024. Followed by services at 11 AM with a luncheon following. Iglesia en Movimiento is located at 118 N. Oak St., Lake Placid, Florida, 33852.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Iglesia en Movimiento, where Julio attended church religiously and nurtured his relationship with God. Donations may be sent by mail or online at  https://iemovimiento.churchcenter.com/giving

https://iemovimiento.churchcenter.com/giving