Jorge E. "Papito" Pérez Negroni

Jorge E. “Papito” Pérez Negroni, 83, of St. Lucie West, Florida passed away May 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Jorge was born May 29, 1938 in Yauco, Puerto Rico to Eduardo L. Pérez and Maria C. Negroni. He married his high school sweetheart Carmen, August 12, 1959, in Miramar, Puerto Rico. Jorge attended Holy Rosary Elementary in Yauco, Puerto Rico, Academia Sagrado Corazón in Santurce, Puerto Rico and graduated high school from Academia Perpetuo Socorro in Miramar, Puerto Rico. In high school, he was Varsity Captain of the school’s basketball. Jorge was a born leader, and he would use those skills throughout his life to encourage and train others.

He also attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. He attended the University of Miami, Engineering School in Miami, Florida, where he participated in their ROTC program. Jorge earned an MBA in Finance from the Inter American University in Puerto Rico. He was a member of the Nu Sigma Beta Fraternity, also serving as their President, and the AFDA Fraternity.

Jorge joined the United States Army in 1961, ranking as a 2nd Lt after Basic Training and Officers Training School in Fort Benning, Georgia. He would obtain the rank of 1st Lt a year later. As Company Commander of the 538 Engineering Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he oversaw the training of soldiers deployed to the Vietnam War. Jorge loved his Country, the Flag, and the Military. He could always be seen around town with his Army cap.

Jorge held positions at General Electric of Palmer, Puerto Rico; Technicon, Humacao, Puerto Rico; and was the General Manager of Instrumentation Lab in Cidra, Puerto Rico.

Jorge was very involved in leadership positions within both the National Association of Industrial Engineers and the College of Engineers in Puerto Rico. Jorge was involved with social clubs such as The Bankers Club and Caparra Country Club. He held several leadership positions within the Caparra Country Club.
Jorge was also a devout Catholic, with a special devotion to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the Patron Saint of his hometown. In his youth, he was an Altar Server. Over twenty years ago, he became a member of Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in St. Lucie West.

Jorge was an avid golfer for most of his life, and held memberships in several golfing communities including, Dorado Beach Golf Club in Dorado, Puerto Rico; and Palmas del Mar Golf Club in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He loved other sports, as well. Jorge was a life-long NY Yankees superfan, starting when he was a child. He was also a loyal fan for the University of Miami’s sports program, especially the Hurricanes, and "Sebastian" their mascot.

A committed family man, he was extremely close to his siblings, Gladys, Tito, Tato, PeeWee and Lilo. He never missed an opportunity to share in all the family events, traveling around the country for his beloved children and grandchildren's special occasions. Happily married to his beloved wife for 62 years, his favorite times were travelling with her, including a cruise trip around the world for three months! Passionate about music and poetry, he learned to play the harmonica and guitar. He was also quite fond of dancing, especially with his beloved wife and family.

Jorge truly enjoyed meeting people everywhere he went, with a special fondness for anyone in need, and would go out of his way to help them, faithfully. Jorge filled the room with this presence, smile, joyful heart, and charisma. He will be remembered as a good friend and neighbor. He was always happiest when he was with his family and friends.

He will be forever remembered as loving, caring, faithful and patriotic.

Jorge was very much loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Carmen Irene Pérez (Anduze) of St. Lucie West; His three children, Irene Pérez, her husband, Dr. Carl Minniti, Jr and their two children, Cristina and her husband Carlos Sandoval, and Carl Minniti III; Ines Pérez, with her quadruplet children Veronica, Adam, Dr. Corbin and his wife, Dr. Erin and son Harrison, and Jeremy Goerlich. Jorge Eduardo Pérez, his son Jorge Pérez III, and grandchild Luca Jorge Pérez; beloved brothers, Alberto (PeeWee) and Roberto (Lilo); and the many friends he had throughout his lifetime. He was preceded by his father, Eduardo Luis Pérez; mother, Maria Catalina Negroni; brothers, Eduardo Pérez (Tito) and José Luis (Tato).

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 5PM to 7PM at the Haisley Funeral Home Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St Lucie, FL 34984; Mass will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 10AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church 350 NW California Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. Jorge will be laid to rest at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.