Lalo Perez, who retired last July as Palo Alto's chief financial officer after 33 years of public service, died last Wednesday after a four-year battle with cancer.
Perez, a soft-spoken and popular executive, began his career in 1985 in Revenue Collections and managed the city's investment portfolio. He later served as budget analyst, budget manager, budget director and assistant director before getting tapped to the top job in the Administrative Services Department.
Under his leadership, the city maintained its AAA credit rating and received 10 Excellent Financial Reporting awards from the Government Finance Officers Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, according to a resolution that the City Council passed in his honor last June.
The resolution credits him for being "a team player with a positive attitude and exceptional work ethic." It also recognized him for being "professional, hardworking, dependable, innovative, enthusiastic, ethical, caring and for being a great coach and leader."
A day after his retirement, Perez, 55, told the Weekly that stepping down for him was a "bittersweet emotion." He was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2015, an experience that he said gave him "a new perspective on life."
"A part of me feels glad that I've had this opportunity, but a part of me feels sad because there's just so many things that we can still continue to work on," Perez said.
City Manager Ed Shikada led the City Council on Monday night in a moment of silence for Perez, who Shikada said touched many lives both inside and outside City Hall.
"Lalo spent almost his entire career with the city of Palo Alto and will be deeply missed," Shikada said.
Private services for Perez are planned for next week. Shikada said the city plans to have a public commemoration of Perez's life on April 12 at 10 a.m. in the Mitchell Park Community Center.
Comments
Registered user
Downtown North
on Apr 2, 2019 at 10:34 am
Registered user
on Apr 2, 2019 at 10:34 am
May his memory be a blessing
Registered user
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:05 am
Registered user
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:05 am
Aside from having an excellent work ethic, Lalo was a good soul--a man of excellent character and gentle nature. I miss his presence at City Hall. I am so very sorry to hear this sad news.
My heart goes out to his friends and family. May his memory be a blessing.
another community
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:16 am
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:16 am
I didn't work directly with him too often, but Lalo was a really terrific guy -- extremely smart and to the point, but also incredibly friendly and kind. He was a great asset to the City and will be sorely missed. Such a loss to the community and his family.
Professorville
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:34 am
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:34 am
Mr. Perez always answered my questions about City finance promptly, and competently. Was sorry to see him leave his position in the finance department, and quite sad to learn of his passing.
Mayfield
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:42 am
on Apr 2, 2019 at 11:42 am
A very approachable PA City Hall member. Lalo was always available to answer questions. Its very sad he did not to get to enjoy his retirement for a longer period of time. I am certain the good Lord has great plans for Lalo. Thanks for your 33 years of service. RIP.
Charleston Meadows
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:09 pm
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Lalo was a dear soul who was friendly, approachable and enjoyed working for the City of Palo Alto. His smile was infectious and he always had a kind word. His passing will be a great loss to his family and the folks at City Hall. Rest in eternal peace.
Greendell/Walnut Grove
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:12 pm
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Lalo was a popular member of the Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto. He was someone we looked forward to seeing and joining in on our activities. Lalo was a real gentleman and a man of great character.
Registered user
Community Center
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Registered user
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:18 pm
In addition to the value we all received from his competency and dedication to the city, Lalo was thoughtful, sincere and respectful toward all. His exceptional warmth and good humor made me look forward to each interaction with him. We will miss him.
Registered user
College Terrace
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Registered user
on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Never met him, but watched from afar him at many a meeting.
Calm, considerate, attentive, responsive, thorough.
Particularly remember his humble, acceptance of full responsibility for a budget mixup one year.
That’s class.
Crescent Park
on Apr 2, 2019 at 1:39 pm
on Apr 2, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Lalo could always engineer goodness from the City of Palo Alto. Every firetruck sent to Oaxaca was touched by his acumen - one would not see this on the firetruck, but know that the he created a path for the good work our city could do. We could always laugh til we cried and how things could be complex, but we would solve the problems and do the good work. Across that, he touched about every program the City did. The loss is how much more was in store as he certainly was not done, and as others have said, the gift is all the goodness our city accomplishes. My condolences to his family, and all of us who he touched. RIP
Stanford
on Apr 3, 2019 at 5:59 pm
on Apr 3, 2019 at 5:59 pm
What a wonderful man who had so many supportive family and friends that were an amazing testament to his character. Peace be with his family.
Registered user
University South
on Apr 3, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Registered user
on Apr 3, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Lalo was a kind soul and a welcoming and wonderful asset to our staff and city. RIP.
Mountain View
on Apr 4, 2019 at 9:41 am
on Apr 4, 2019 at 9:41 am
[Post removed.]
another community
on Apr 4, 2019 at 10:49 pm
on Apr 4, 2019 at 10:49 pm
I worked with Lalo at the City of Palo Alto in Revenue Collections in 1989; he was my supervisor. He was patient, kind, and always eager to help. An amazing man and a good friend. Although I hadn't spoken to him in many years, his passing leaves a void in my heart. He will be missed.