It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our founder, Robert H. “Bob” Perez, who left us on October 22, 2024, in Belmont, California. Bob’s legacy of service, commitment to justice, and dedication to helping others has touched countless lives and continues to guide our organization’s mission.

Born in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood in 1936, Bob dedicated his life to public service and social justice. His remarkable career began as a probation officer and counselor, leading to pivotal roles in legal services and public administration. In 1971, seeing the critical need for legal representation in underserved communities, Bob founded the Model Cities Center for Law and Justice, which later became the Survivor Justice Center and is now the Survivor Justice Center. At a time when many low-income families had nowhere to turn for legal help, he created an organization that opened doors to justice in East Los Angeles and continues to make a difference in the community today.

Throughout his career, Bob championed the rights of underserved communities, serving in various leadership roles including the San Francisco District Attorney’s office and numerous legal and community organizations. His commitment to justice extended well into retirement, where he continued to serve as president of the board of the San Mateo Ombudsman Services program.

Bob’s passion for justice was matched by his love for life’s simple pleasures – walks with his beloved dogs, Smoosh and more recently Reina, his enthusiasm for motorcycles and motor sports, and his appreciation for opera.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma L. Espinoza, and his children Robert R. Perez, Yvonne Woehrer, Stephanie Perez (Jeff Bradbury), and Andrea P. Tomaszewski (Jim Tomaszewski), as well as six beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Justin Perez.

Throughout his life, Bob believed that justice should never be out of reach for those who need it most. This conviction guided not only his career but also the development of our organization. To honor and continue his life’s work, the family has asked that memorial contributions be directed to the Survivor Justice Center: info.survivorjusticecenter.org/bob-perez-memorial. Your gift will help ensure that Bob’s vision lives on, allowing us to provide free legal services and advocacy to low-income, immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking—continuing the vital civil rights work he began over fifty years ago.

Bob’s vision and dedication created the foundation for our work, and we remain committed to carrying forward his legacy of service and justice for all. His unwavering belief in the power of legal advocacy to transform lives and uplift communities will continue to guide and inspire our work for generations to come.