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Eric Perez, 52, was struck and killed while crossing Main Street near Shore Lane in Bay Shore early on Saturday, March 8, as Daily Voice reported. The driver, 21-year-old Alexander Cerda of Bay Shore, allegedly fled the scene and was arrested days later, Suffolk County Police said.
Now, as Perez’s wife, Gina, and their family grapple with an unimaginable loss, they are asking for help to cover funeral expenses and give him the farewell he deserves.
“I just want the readers to know he was a hardworking man, was a husband, a father, a brother, uncle, great friend, and soon-to-be a grandfather,” she told Daily Voice.
She recalled how the two of them were looking forward to celebrating Bay Shore’s St. Patrick’s Day parade together, a tradition they long cherished. The parade kicked off just hours after Perez died.
“When I came home that night from work, he had his clothes ready for the parade,” Mrs. Perez said. “I can’t believe that this kid would drive so recklessly, no lights on, in a stolen vehicle. My husband had no chance.”
Perez had lived in the area for eight years and was familiar with the streets where the crash occurred, making the tragedy even harder to comprehend, Gina said.
“Just want this kid to know that one day he will probably be free to walk out of jail after all this, but my husband will never walk out of his grave.”
Perez’s stepson, Jose Colon, created a GoFundMe to support Gina and the family as they prepare to say their final goodbyes.
“Eric was a great man who would help anyone in need and would do anything for those he loved,” Colon wrote.
“As we navigate this unimaginable loss, we are faced with the unexpected burden of funeral costs. We are seeking your support to help honor Eric and give him the farewell he deserved.”
The GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $3,000 as of Friday, March 14, can be found here.
Funeral services for Perez are scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Moloney Funeral Home in Central Islip.
As Gina, their children, and loved ones mourn his passing, the family is grateful for any support from the community.
“Thank you for all your support in this tragic time,” Colon wrote.
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