Former Trojan Tennis Player Robert Perez Passes Away
October 05, 2015 | Men's Tennis
Former USC tennis player Robert Perez passed away on Sept. 27, 2015 at the age of 91. Perez played tennis for the Trojans from 1946-49 after serving in the Navy and was a member of USC’s first national championship team in 1946.
During his time at Troy, Perez paired with teammate Bill Crosby in doubles and was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation. As a freshman, Perez played at the No. 4 singles spot for the Trojans in their run to winning the 1946 national championship.
After graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Perez rose in the ranks and eventually became the CBS Vice President and General Manager of National Sales in CBS’s New York offices. He would also continue to play tennis, and after retirement he won numerous senior titles and earned singles and doubles rankings at the senior level. He also served as head coach of the men’s tennis team at UC Irvine during the late 1980s.
Perez’ wife, Helen, passed away in 2005. They are survived by their three children, Paula, Bob and Annie and five grandchildren.
