Jack Steven Pereira

Jack Steven Pereira, age 100, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Jack and Audrey, his beloved wife of 52 years who preceded him in death, raised six children; Michael, Steven, Patrick, Mark, Barbara and Daniel.  Audrey passed away in 1997.  Jack enjoyed watching his 14 grandchildren grow up and spending time with many of them at the camp in North Louisiana.  He killed his first deer when he was 84 years old.  His 12 great grandchildren are lucky and blessed to have had him around. 

In 1999 Jack married his current wife, Cleo.  They spent over 13 happy years together in Diamondhead, Mississippi.  As they got up in age Cleo moved to North Louisiana to be close to her children.  She currently resides in Homer, LA.  Jack relocated to Denham Springs, Louisiana to be closer to four of his children and remained there until six weeks before his death. 

Jack was quick witted, had a great sense of humor and loved life.    Less than a year before his death his family doctor asked him, “Mr. Jack, what is the secret to your long life.”  Jack promptly replied, “two hi-balls a day.  One for my heart and one for me.” 

 He will be missed by many.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jack attended LSU, Southwestern Louisiana Institute & Centenary College.

Jack enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 16, 1942.  At the request of the Marine Corps, he was Honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in order for him to enlist in the Navy.  He enlisted in the Navy on July 5, 1944, and served until he was Honorably discharged on November 10, 1945. 

Jack was a Sales Manager for Wonder Bread Bakery in Shreveport, LA, and retired as Store Manager from Schwegmann’s Giant Supermarkets in New Orleans. Jack loved sailing, rowing, history and reading.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents, Clara Stokes Pereira and George Edward Pereira; and his granddaughter, Heather Pereira.

Survivors include his children, Michael Pereira and his wife Alicia Pereira, Steven Pereira and his wife Marilyn W. Pereira, Pat Pereira (deceased wife Pam G. Pereira), Mark Pereira (deceased wife Pamela M. Pereira), Barbara Backstedt and her husband David Backstedt, and Daniel L. Pereira and his wife Mary D. Pereira; his grandchildren, Adrian Pereira, Melanie P. Segura, Melissa P. LeBlanc, Traci P. Cowell, Todd Pereira, Jeffery Pereira, Mallory Pereira, Joel Pereira, Christopher Pereira, Amy C. Pippenger, Matthew Pereira, Brian Pereira, Patrick Pereira and Erin Prez; and his numerous great-grandchildren and other loving family members and friends.

The family would like to thank his wonderful sitters, Rene, Shelia, Fernando, Lynn, Porscha, Kandi and Ebony.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Graveside Service, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Gulf Coast Cemetery & Mausoleum, 2177 Longfellow Road, Bay St. Louis at 11:00 am.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln Delisle Rd., Pass Christian is serving the family.