Hundreds Attend Service In Town For Area Accident Victim

Graduation is a memorable milestone in life, most often from which we boldly step forward, ready to take on what the world has to offer.

But, tragically for one Peabody high school graduate — eighteen-year-old Joncarlos “JC” Perez, a wrestling and martial arts stand-out — he didn’t make it to live more than a week past his high school commencement.

Perez was visiting the Dominican Republic before heading back to the states to visit family in Florida when he was killed in a car accident on June 11. He had just graduated from a week earlier on June 3.

Perez was riding as a passenger in the vehicle when the skies suddenly opened up to a severe rainstorm during which the driver lost control of the car, went off the road and struck a pole. Perez and two others died in the accident.

A memorial service for Perez was held this past Saturday (June 18) at Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield to provide a place for family and friends to grieve together and remember Perez for who he was.

Samuel Cruz, the youth pastor of Iglesia Bautista El Calvario, opened the service.

“We come before you with a heavy heart,” he prayed. “But we come before you confidently, Lord, with a peace that surpasses all understanding. Direct and guide this service. Supply every need here. We pray these things in your holy Name, Amen.”

Perez’ cousin, Allyson Wallace, who delivered the eulogy, shared her memories with friends, former classmates and family present.

“There’s a lot of people in this room. We now know how much of an impact he’s [Perez] made on us,” she said, noting how many came to pay their last respects. “His Facebook [page], which has over one thousand messages from friends and family, shows how much respect people had for him.”

According to Silvia Pena, who sang the hymn “In Christ Alone,” there were more than 600 people at Saturday’s service, with an overflow in another room watching the memorial service live.

Wallace recollected memories they shared: dancing at parties, playing kitchen, Christmas gatherings and the typical superhero role-playing, she in the guise of Robin while he donned the cape and cowl of Batman.

She said Perez had the biblical fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control — important qualities for an incoming and aspiring United States Marine.

“He never got to go to boot camp. He would have been a great marine,” Wallace said. “The U.S. missed out, but they didn’t miss out on a hero. He was a role model for children and adults, and always will be. My dad used to say, ‘Long live JC, Santo Domingo, Lynn and Peabody. JC Forever.’”

The Marine Corps presented Perez’ family with a plaque in his honor during Saturday’s ceremony.

Perez’ brother, Alexis Rosario, also spoke during the ceremony.

Initially, he planned to travel to the Dominican Republic with Perez, but he didn’t go due to other responsibilities, Rosario said.

“I know there’s a purpose for this. I was miserable I couldn’t go with him. I talked to him everyday there,” Rosario said. “I’m thankful, because my mother would have lost two sons. We should all be here for my mom as the weeks go by.”

Rosario added that it was ironic his brother’s initials were “JC,” because “he was truly Christ-like.”

 “I was so happy to have another rugrat with me when he was born. For a decade, I didn’t know what it was like to have kids younger than me around until Mama decided to bless us with him,” he said.

Rosario joked about growing up together and doing things that some people wouldn’t approve of at 23 Chatham St. in “Sin City” Lynn.

Rev. Blas Mercedes, of Igleslia Evangelica Luz y Lida, referred to a Bible passage from 1 Peter, urging family members and friends to live every moment on Earth as if it’s their last, because eternal life may be approaching.

Mercedes added that they should thank God for the 18 years, six months and 26 days that Perez was alive.

Perez’ uncle Jose Pena, cousin Andrew Wallace, friend Juan Mateo Lopez, PVMHS teacher Dave Lucier also offered personal reflections, along with PVMHS wrestling coach Dave Henrick.

Henrick, with his team in the pews, spoke a few words regarding Perez’ athletic and academic accomplishments.

“His smile was infectious, and his personality as a natural leader stood out,” Henrick said. “On behalf of Peabody High School, we offer our deepest condolences. JC received the coaches’ award in wrestling for his dedication, leadership and his willingness to work and give. He had the biggest smile on his face after receiving his diploma.”