Matthew Perez, 24
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Matthew Perez, 24, a Latino man, was stabbed to death at 6631 Ferguson Drive in East Los Angeles. He died at 10:02 p.m. Sunday, June 24.
His aunt, Letty Ainsworth, said that Perez had just graduated from computer school and wanted to become a graphic artist. As a youngster he had gotten into some trouble and had been assigned community service which led to a stint with the Salvation Army. He didn't quit after his term was fulfilled. He continued working for the Salvation Army of his own volition until his death, as well as with soup kitchens affiliated with his Catholic church, she said. She said he was walking and was attacked, perhaps by a group.


Mathew was such a wonderful cousin! My favorite memory was when he took me swimming and for the first time i went under the water with out holdingmy nose,he taught me how, i felt really cool, cause everyone could go under with out plugging there nose but me haha=] he brought smiles to everyone!!! i will miss him always
Love you Aunt Marty and Uncle Alex <3
Posted by: Elissa Martinez | May 28, 2008 at 02:34 PM
TO EVERY 1 WHO KNEW MATHEW IT HURT HIM TO SEE HIM LEAVE HE WAS HELPFULLY, CARING , LOVING, AND NEVER SAID NO TO ANYONE WHO ASKED HIM FOR A FAVOR BIG OR SMALL. EVEN IF HE WAS MAD OR DIAPPIONTED WITH U. HE WAS THE GREATEST PERSON I MET N I WISH I COULD BE MORE LIKE HIM HE HAD A GOOD HEART AND WAS FORGIVING AND I CANT SAY THAT ABOUT ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. BECAUSE OF MATHEW I AM MORE PAITENT AND APPERICIATE ALOT MORE THINGS IN LIFE. AND FOR AWHILE I DIDNT WANT TO ACCEPT THAT HE WAS TAKEN SO UGLY IN THAT MANOR SO CLOSE TO HIS HOME. BUT NOW WHEN I THINK OF HIM I SMILE CUZ I KNOW HE WAS A GOOD MAN WHO LOVED N RESPESCTED HIS PARENTS WAS A MAN OF GOD AND MARTY MATHEW LOVED U ALOT AND HE WOULD ALWAYS TALK ABOUT U LIKE U WERE HIS BEST FRIEND TAKE CARE N EVERY NIGHT I STILL PRAY FOR HIM
LOVE ALWAYS TINA ALEX N DESIREY
Posted by: TINA ARENAS | September 20, 2007 at 07:20 AM
MARTY & ALEX PEREZ
I THANK YOU FOR MY MATTIE!! (WHO I DEARLY MISS & LOVE....)MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY. MATTHEW WAS LIKE A BIG BROTHER TO ME, WHO ALWAYS TOOK GOOD CARE OF ME & MY FAMILY!!
LOVE ALWAYS & FOREVER
JACKIE, J.R & HEAVEN
Posted by: JACKIE CARDOZA | August 31, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Matthew you were born to devote Catholic parents, who taught you to Love your fellow man, to lend a helping hand and to embrace your passions.
Here I sit looking at a picture of Saint; Mother Theresa whom I’ve always wanted to meet, as fate would have it she died before I could realize my dream to travel to Calcutta if even to take a glimpse at her.
Instead, I met you Saint; Matthew J. Perez in Los Angeles, CA. If only for your short stay on this earth. You were aware far beyond your years; of all that was going on inside of others hearts, and minds you pointed out only the positive and good in others. I will cherish your warm embrace your enthusiastic spirit touched all who knew you. With your incredible computer skills you brought me to the new generation of technology, I’ll miss calling you; with the dumb questions we know which ones! You shared freely and patiently you comforted me in my time of need, calmed me, and understood me. You my dear Matthew showed me how to cry again.
“It’s O.K.” “Aunt Alex...” Your comforting words will remain in my heart forever and always.
We shared so Many good times you were my dream come true, Not only did I meet a ‘Saint’ But I am proud to say, he hugged me, and he was “MY NEPHEW” your bright smile will remain with us forever. I’ll miss your hugs.
You embraced your passion of GOD designed and resigned your life to do well.
Now GOD has embraced you and shown you to the path of your passion beside him.
Your Loving, “Aunt Alex”
Posted by: Alexandra Banuelos | July 16, 2007 at 09:13 PM
Acknowledgement
Alex & Marty Martinez-Perez wishes to acknowledge all who attended the Rosery/Viewing, Funeral Mass, Graveside Final Resting Place & a wonderful Memorial Reception at the home of his Brother Marcos.
To: Fr. Liberty, Minister Leonard Mora, Pallbears Matthew's Cousins Manuel Ibarra, Andrew & Daniel Salcedo, Frankie Yrias (like a brother), Justin Martinez Alfred Perez & Andrew Trejo. Holly Guzman 1st Reading, Marcus Lionetti 2nd Reading. Entire Martinez Fam. in Porterville for your Intentions & Mass Services, Martinez Fam. in Napa, Fj for taking me to the cemetary, Bob Flores & Fam. in Hesperia, Jimmy from Laguna Niguel, My sister Claudia who continues to support me. My sister Alexis for the beautiful Photo DVD of Matthew's Life & Collagues. Misty's Collague. Everyone's kind words & Euglogies esp.Manuel Ibarra., Diez Fam in Simi Valley, presenting of gifts. Our Soulfull & Spirited Quartet, Cantoring Jeff & Andrea Ainsworth, Ryan Roza & Marissa Ibarra accompanied by Sal Traslavina. Ms. Frieta's drinks., Sophia Salcedo making Rosery's,
Various $$$ donations by Perez & Martinez Families.
His Godmother Mary B- McCormick, My Best Friend, Patsy M-Doner,
My precious sister 'Tish' coming to my rescue for 2 wks..
Ed & Tish putting the programs together, My sister-in-law Lisa, Justin & Henry for your delicious & endless catering. Ms. "Ofie" Veiga Mortuary, Aldo from Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Ms. Reina from The DA's Office. Flowers by Rita Flores' wk place. Our Wonderful Florest Duke Namora of Commece Flowers for your enormous blanket of Red Roses, Our Escort & Dear Friend Victor Salazar in his vintage 1938. All the Numerous Floral Arrangements, doniated by Friends, & Families -Amazing! The Salvation Army. And especially All of Matthew's Homeboys and Girls that held a 2 day Car Wash & donitated an excessive amount of $$$ in Matthew's Memory. The Friends that placed a Shrine in
his Honor, whoever you are, "God Bless You!"
It's my Adoration & Blessings for All Your Heartfelt Prayers, your kind words, expressions of sympathy and all the many, many gestures of love.
Please continue to pray for us, and May God keep his arms around each and every one of you.
With Warm Salud, I'm here for all of you, Marty Perez
Posted by: Letty 'Tish' Ainsworth | July 16, 2007 at 12:54 PM
This poem , Spring and Fall, to a young child, was written by a novice Jesuit Priest,circa 1850. It is about a child's view( Margaret ). She has enjoyed a grove of trees in the Spring and in the Autum in all the beautiful colors. But as she realizes that the beautiful leaves are really dying at the height of their beauty she begins to cry. The mature voice in the poem explains the death of the leaves are sad but in one's lifetime we will experience a much sadder death, the death of a loved one. The death of the leaves are like the death of man, it is what man was born for, in the end it is ourselves that we mourn for. I first read this poem about 35 years ago and have often comtemplated its deeper meaning.
MÁRGARÉT, áre you gríeving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?
Leáves, líke the things of man, you
With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?
Áh! ás the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder
By and by, nor spare a sigh
Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;
And yet you wíll weep and know why.
Now no matter, child, the name:
Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same.
Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed
What heart heard of, ghost guessed:
It ís the blight man was born for,
It is Margaret you mourn for.
Posted by: fj martinez | July 12, 2007 at 07:23 AM
My cousin was the most loving and giving person. It's ashame he was taken from us so suddenly. I take comfort in knowing that for 22 years the Lord blessed me with an angel as a cousin. He is greatly missed by his family.
Posted by: Andrea Ainsworth | July 11, 2007 at 11:21 PM
MARTY, ALEX, LETY-
I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MARTY'S SON, MATTHEW THAT IS SO HORRIBLE. MY PRAYES ARE WITH YOU AND MARTY AND THE FAMILY. I HOPE MARTY IS OKAY. THAT MUST BE SO DEVASTING FOR HER. PLEASE TELL HER WE SEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO HER. AGAIN, I'M SO SORRY, IF THERE'S ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU AND
THE FAMILY PLEASE LET US KNOW. I CAN ONLY EXPRESS MY CONDOLANCES TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, AND I FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU IN YOUR LOSS AND I PRAY THAT TIME WILL HEAL ALL WOUNDS.
WE LOVE YOU GUYS,
LOVE, HILDA & FAMILY
Posted by: Hilda Hernandez-Gomez | July 11, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Marty and Alex, and familia
I know that whatever I say will never reverse the tragic events of the last few weeks. Prayerfully, my words can offer some comfort in this time of pain and sorrow.
Not long ago a very special and unique individual was born into this family. Everyone rejoiced; his family was so proud of him. Our mijo was destined to do wonderful things. Sadly, he would never have the chance to fulfill his destiny. How does one make sense of the insanity that takes the life of one so young? Twenty - four years old, his life was just starting and now it’s cut short.
Mateo was such a joy to be around. I will always be proud to call him my nephew. I will always remember how the two Shortys, his abuelitos, used to delight in having around. You could see the pride they felt in him radiate through the smiles that he brought to their faces. His abuelita always had a special place in her heart for him . We all will have a special place in our hearts for him. He is familia - nothing will ever change that.
The memories and pictures of this special person Mateo will live on in my heart forever. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special life.
In the meantime, I will take comfort in the Lord. Only He knows the reason why these things happen. Maybe one day he might even tell me why it had to be. Maybe I will never know; regardless, Mateo will always be part of who we are.
Vaya con Dios Mijo, Vaya con Dios
Posted by: Uncle Keko | July 11, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Nobody deserves to die, please if anyone has info. on mathew please post.
How it happen and possible motive if any??
Posted by: Mario | July 11, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Matthew I will miss you and your smile. God blessed me with a brother like you
Love your sister
Posted by: Sophia Salcedo | July 07, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Jesus - Mary we need your graces right now. Holy Spirit please dwell in our hearts. Matthew, Look down on us from the Mercy Seat of God and intercede for us who suffer in this world. Lord God ! Have mercy on us! Jesus Christ! Have Mercy on Us! Our pain is too much too bear. Lord God! keep the anger in our hearts from turning against you and turn us to you in this time of greatest need. In Jesus name we beg you.
Posted by: Pelayo Family | July 03, 2007 at 02:52 PM
MY HEART GOES OUT TO MATHEW'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS I DONT KNOW HIM PERSONALY BUT I HAVE HEARD OF HIM AND FROM WHAT I HEAR HE IS THE SWEETEST PERSON. I REALLY HOPE THE POLICE DO THEIR JOB AND FIND THE MONSTER WHO DID THIS.
Posted by: LISA PEREZ | June 29, 2007 at 04:39 PM