Juan Jose Perez Alda

The Rev. Juan Jose Perez Alda, age 83 of Vineland, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17,2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He is a native of Cardenas, Cuba, where he was born on May 16, 1941 to Spanish immigrants, Jose M. Perez and Zoila Alda.

In Cuba he attended the Colegio Presbyteriano La Progresiva where he met his wife Marta Pascual. Rev. Perez arrived in the United States in 1961 with help from the Presbyterian church and found his way to Vineland that year to start the local Spanish mission of the Presbyterian church. He worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between Spanish and English speaking communities. In 1973 he earned a master's degree in theology from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. He was an associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Vineland, NJ. Pastor at Iglesia Presbiteriana Bethesda, Gardena, California, The First Spanish Presbyterian Church and La Progresiva School of Miami, Florida and Iglesia Presbiteriana Westminster, EPC Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Rev. Perez also served as a Chaplain at San Pablo Medical Center, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Newcomb Hospital, Vineland, New Jersey and The Senate of Puerto Rico.

In addition to the services he has offered as a Pastor, Rev. Perez served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico for over 20 years, where he was also the President of the Religious Life Committee. He also served on the Board of the Vineland Housing Authority and was the President of the Board of Directors of the Bayamon Heath Center Health since 1999 and a member of the Advisory Council of the Head Start Project of the Municipality of Bayamon.

Rev. Perez has received several recognitions and was declared an Adopted Son of the City of Bayamon, in recognition as an outstanding citizen residing in the city. He also was awarded the Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the New Jersey Jaycees in 1971.

Juan had a remarkable ability to forge friendships wherever he went, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

The Rev. Juan J Perez Alda has been married to Marta Pascual for 63 beautiful years, with whom he has had three children. In his free time, Rev. Perez enjoyed gardening, reading and playing practical jokes on family and friends.

Rev. Perez is survived by his loving wife Marta, his 3 beloved children: Marta Vant, Ruth Perez, Juan L. Perez and by his 2 cherished grandchildren: Timothy Vant and Lauren Perez and last but not least, his many brothers and sisters in Christ.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Siloam Cemetery, 550 N. Valley Ave. Vineland, where he will be laid to rest.

Memorial contribution may be made to The Interamerican University of Puerto Rico scholarship fund. (Office of the Board of Trustees, PO Box 363255, San Juan PR 00936-3255 tel 1-787-763-8927)

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.