OBITUARY
Fidel “Felix” Gatica Perez, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, in San Antonio.
Fidel “Felix” was born April 9, 1933, in Bastrop to Jesus and Pomposa Perez. He married the love of his life, Elaine Soto in San Angelo. She preceded him in death on June 24, 2007. Felix was a lifelong resident of San Angelo, until 2013 when he moved to Austin to be close to his family. In late 2020, he moved to San Antonio to live with his son, Jerry and his wife, Ida and lived there until his passing.
Felix’s family was the most important thing in his life. He loved his children, grandchildren, and especially his great grandchildren, who he could never see as much as he wanted. He attended classroom parties and school dances. Felix loved the Home Depot Builders workshop with his great grandkids and helped them not just build things, but memories.
He enjoyed hiding cascarones on Good Friday and would let his great grandkids crack the eggs on his signature silver hair for some added color. Felix looked forward to taking the kids for ice cream at his favorite place, Baskin Robbins, where he’d enjoy a sugar free scoop for himself. He loved “greasy” hamburgers and a cold beer, and hated fish but ate it anyway for good health.
Felix trained himself to wake up without an alarm because he hated when cooks would use that excuse for being late. Felix started his career working in the kitchen at the young age of fifteen, becoming one of the most talented, and well-known Chefs and business owners in the region for over 50 years, retiring shortly after his wife, Elaine passed away.
Felix was a practicing Catholic, who attended daily mass every day he could, and in his wheelchair his last several months. He prayed daily throughout the day, when he first woke, during the day, and before he went to sleep and always thanked Jesus for his blessings. He was indeed a Godly man. Felix was loving, kind, generous, forgiving (70X7), respectful, a jokester, and very funny. He was the hardest working man the family ever knew. Felix was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man to emulate.
Survivors include a son, Jerry Perez and wife Ida of San Antonio; a daughter, Viola Ramirez of Durham, North Carolina; a sister, Erma Martinez of San Angelo; a brother, Andres Perez of Colorado; three grandchildren, Gabriel Perez and wife Jesse of Branson, Missouri, Amanda Colon and husband Christian of Round Rock, and Nicholas Ramirez and wife Hannah of Durham, North Carolina; eight great grandchildren, Asher Perez, Evangel Perez and Jude Perez all of Branson, Missouri, Chloe Colon, Deacon Colon both of Round Rock, Rowan Ramirez, Elowen Ramirez, and Euan Ramirez all of Durham, North Carolina and many nephews and nieces who he also loved very much.
Felix was also preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Pomposa; three brothers, Jesse Perez, Erasmo Perez, James Perez; and a sister, Ofelia Bastardo.
Many thanks to the staff of the Heart of Texas Hospice, who helped the family get through these last few months and most difficult time. And, also to the staff of the Atrium Rehabilitation Center in San Antonio for the last few weeks. Both staff were very knowledgeable, compassionate, respectful, and thoughtful in caring for Dad. A great man, who will always be remembered as the most loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, father-in-law, and friend.
Public viewing will be from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 24, 2025, at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Belvedere Cemetery on Arden Road under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
— From Robert Massie Funeral Home
