Michael Peres
Obituary
Michael ("Mickey") Peres was born in British Mandatory Palestine shortly after his parents, Kaethe Ehrlich and Fritz Barth, fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia aboard an illegal immigrant ship. He spent the first half of his life in Israel where he served in the Israel Defense Forces during two wars and worked as a technical engineer. He fell in love with Judy Zurakov in 1970 and the two married and started a family before moving to Chicago in 1980. It was there that he was able to indulge his love of learning, collecting numerous degrees while engaging in his favorite job, that of stay-at-home-dad, long before it was fashionable. The couple separated in 1994, remaining dear friends. In 1996, he started the next chapter in his life, moving to Sunnyvale for Elinore Pollock, whom he wed and was devoted to until her passing in 2015. He was an avid reader, ardent leftist, and excellent chef. He warmed those who came into contact with him with his unassuming charm, keen sense of humor and enduring authenticity. He handled his diagnosis of cancer with strength and dignity, insisting on walking to and from most of his appointments and squeezing in one last trip to Europe and another to Mexico before his time ran out, cracking jokes all the way. He passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 77. Mickey is survived by his daughters, Dana (Jay) Edelson of Chicago and Avital (Shiran) Rachmilevitch of Haifa, and by his grandchildren, Leah, Jonah and Amitai. Mourned also by his extended family: Judy Peres, Mark (Kristin) Pollock, Edie (Doug) Kerr, Mike (Jan) Zurakov and their children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union. The family will match all donations made in Mickey's memory.
