Jose Balli Perez

A truly gentle and loving soul has found his rest.  

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Jose (Joe) Balli Perez, 87, of Mesa Arizona on March 5, 2026. Born April 7, 1938 in McAllen Texas, he was the son of Florencio and Herlinda Perez. Joe lived in Colorado most of his life, relocated to Illinois in 2010, and eventually settled in Arizona in 2019.

Joe was an avid fisherman, gardener, mechanic, baseball enthusiast, and loyal Dallas Cowboy fan. He was humble, private, and always very gracious. Joe was our family’s anchor and will be fondly remembered for his exemplary manners, quiet strength, and fierce protectiveness of his family.  He was extremely proud of his beautiful family and uniquely made each of us feel special. We will miss the quiet comfort of his loving, forgiving, gentle presence, and will carry his legacy forward.

Joe is survived by his wife, Maria Ofelia Perez (married 61 years), his children Yvonne (Greg) Barres (AZ), Yolanda (Daryl) Fox (AZ), Jose Perez Jr. (IL), Armando (LeighAnn) Perez (AZ), Diana (Darien) Hammett (OH), 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and his siblings Julia Prock (AZ), Mary P. Perez (TX), and brother Florencio Perez, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents Florencio and Herlinda Perez, brother Esteban Perez, son Daniel Perez (newborn), son Orlando (Londo, 46) Perez, and grandson Lincoln Hammett (18 months).

An open service to honor Joe’s life will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:00am followed by a private family reception at Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert AZ 85297. 

In his memory, Joe’s family asks you to be kind to one another, lend a steady hand to someone in need, and to be gracious in every interaction.