Jode Perez

Jode (Joe) Perez, 76, passed away on December 14, 2025, in his family home.  He was born on October 29, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, and resided there until his family moved to Staten Island, NY, where he lived until 2005, when he settled in Easton, PA.  A veteran of the United States Navy, he was devoted to his family and friends with fierce loyalty.

Jode was preceded in death by his father Evangelio (Perry) Perez and brother Jeffrey Perez.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Swerdzewski) Perez, his children: his daughter and son-in-law, Stacey (Perez) and Carl Croney, his daughter and son-in-law Laura (Perez) and Santo Linton, and his son, William Perez.  He was a proud grandfather of four: Melody Fraizer, Krysta Croney, Alexandra Croney, and Santo William Linton; and of two great-grandchildren: Ava Jackson and Sadie Fraizer, who spent time with him often.  He is also survived by his mother and five siblings.

A graduate of the New York School of Printing, Jode enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968, working as a pressman and lithographer.  His active-duty service extended from 1968-1972, where he served onboard the USS Spiegle Grove, the USS Coronado, and the USS Sierra.  When his enlistment term was completed and he was honorably discharged, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves continuing his service until he retired in 1988.

Jode was a member of the American Legion, Brown & Lynch, Post# 9, where he served as commander of the Honor Guard.  He also served a term as Vice-Commander.  Jode was responsible for coordinating all Honor Guard services providing military funeral honors and services for deceased veterans across the region, including ceremonial flag folding and presentation, playing taps, and rifle salute.  As a veteran, Jode fully understood the importance of paying tribute to service members and giving families and loved ones a sense of honor, comfort, and pride.

Jode was a loving husband and father.  He worked hard to provide for his family with love and grace.  He was known for his dry and witty humor, which he gainfully applied throughout his life, up to and including poking fun at himself.  He looked for practical solutions to problems, knowing how to get a job done and he never expected anyone to do for him what he could not do for himself.  His strong work ethics, values, love, and loyalty will live forever in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00pm at the Finegan Funeral Home, 4080 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA or on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10:00am – 12:00 noon, with a Funeral Service scheduled for 12:00 noon at the funeral home.  Military Honors will be presented at Brown & Lynch Post# 9, 2260 Corriere Drive, Easton, PA, immediately following.  Along with accepting flowers, donations can be made, in Jode’s name, to the American Legion.