David Derne Perez

David Derne Perez

July 20, 1964 – September 22, 2025

David Derne Perez, 61, of San Bernardino, CA, passed away on September 22, 2025. Born on July 20, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, CA, to Valerie Eileen Price and Pedro (Peter) Derne Perez, David was the oldest of six siblings. Even from a young age, he was affectionately known as the “leader of the band,” guiding and inspiring those around him with his natural charisma, wit, and heart.

David grew up in Garden Grove before moving with his family to Corona in 1975. He attended St. Columbine’s, Auburndale Intermediate, and Norco High School, later studying pre-med and biology at the University of California, Riverside. His passion for helping others led him to proudly serve as a phlebotomist in the U.S. Air Force and dedicate over 20 years to the medical field, working at Corona Regional Medical Center and St. Bernardine’s Medical Center in San Bernardino, CA.

Music was the heartbeat of David’s life, and it was through music that he spoke most profoundly. For more than 30 years, he served as Music Director and pianist at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino, also sharing his gifts with St. Matthew’s and St. Mel’s in Corona and mentoring the youth choir at Holy Rosary Academy. His lyrics were a window to his soul, and some capture the depth of his heart and faith:

"Heaven's just a step away. You'll find it in your heart. If you believe, you must believe." "I give to you everything. Eternal hope, my life. Oh how I wish, that you would find love for God in all your heart and soul and mind."

David’s extraordinary dedication was recognized in 2015 when he received the St. Bernardine Award from the Diocese of San Bernardino:

"David is the primary leader in Music Ministry at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Parish. He shares the vision of the parish in being a welcoming community. His role as Music Director and his talent and skill as a musician enrich and allow the liturgies to reflect that vision. David’s communication skills, collaboration, creativity, patience and perseverance in working with the youth of the parish and the students of Holy Rosary Academy are gifts that are appreciated by the entire parish and school communities. He also gives of his time and talents for the larger community in his collaboration for diocesan celebrations. He is an effective leader. The diocese and Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Parish join in honoring David with the St. Bernardine Award."

David’s brilliance extended beyond music. He was intelligent, quick-witted, and full of humor. His sense of humor was a defining part of who he was. Whether through pranks around the house, hand puppets, or magic tricks, to know David was to know laughter. He entertained with both his music and his jokes, leaving joy wherever he went. He was, in many ways, both Beethoven and Einstein—a Master of Music and a brilliant mind, blending creativity with intellect in everything he pursued.

He was a loving and devoted father. His fierce protection of his siblings as a child later translated into the same unwavering devotion to his daughter, Ashley Reyes, shaping the heart of his family life.

David is survived by his daughter, Ashley Reyes, and son-in-law, Lance Reyes; his siblings, Michelle Perez Dungjen, Cristina Perez Nole, Dennis Perez, Eileen Gumpel, and Patrick Harrison; his nieces and nephews, Clarice Perez, Monique Carcamo, Samantha McCoy, Vito Nole, Amanda Schoppman, Magenta Gumpel, Peter Gumpel, Jack Gumpel, Gray Dungjen, and Samuel Dungjen; his great-nieces and nephew, Wilder, Serenity, and Galexie McCoy; and his siblings-in-law, Tony Nole, Brian Dungjen, John Gumpel, and Luz Elena Perez.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 7, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino, CA.

David will be remembered for his devotion to medicine, his steadfast faith, his gift of storytelling, his quick wit, his humor, and above all, the music that defined his life and touched the hearts of all who knew him. His music, laughter, and love continue to resonate, living on in every note played, every joke shared, and every heart he inspired.