LARRY PERALES

Lawrence “Larry” Perales lived a bountiful life as a lifelong educator with unwavering commitment to issues of equity and justice and as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away suddenly on August 5, 2026.

Born on August 10, 1936, in Wasco, California, Larry grew up in a hardworking family of migrant laborers. These early experiences helped shape his deep commitment to fairness and social justice. After living in Wasco and Los Altos, Larry’s family put down roots in Santa Maria in 1948 where they lived in converted airbase barracks for migrant laborers.

Larry graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1955 where he excelled at baseball. He cultivated strong leadership skills on and off the baseball field, anchoring the team’s 1954 CIF team championship as a standout pitcher and serving as senior class president. Larry attended Allan Hancock College where he continued his baseball career.

Larry continued his education at San Jose State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in education in 1960. He was drafted by the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Lewis Washington where he served until 1962. Later serving in the Army Reserve until August 1966. He earned his multiple-subject teaching credential, and an M.A. in education at Chapman University at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Larry forged a remarkable teaching career and raised a loving family. He taught in the Orcutt Union School District, primarily at Alice Shaw School, from 1964-2001. He was well-known for innovative “learning by doing” pedagogy building a covered wagon out of a ping-pong table to teach about westward expansion. He left a lasting impact on countless students.

Larry’s commitment to justice and equity extended beyond the classroom. Early in his career, he joined the Association of Mexican American Educators advocating for equity and diversity in local schools. He carried that same commitment to his work on behalf of fellow educators as the president of the Orcutt Educators Association. Larry never forgot his roots, as he pioneered state-level curriculum on the United Farm Workers.

In 1960, Larry met Bernardine Dolcini; they married in August 1965 and had three daughters. He was a dedicated father who taught his daughters to read, devoted time coaching his daughter Theresa in baseball and softball, and supported his grandchildren’s activities, including soccer, golf, and theater. Larry enjoyed reading, barbecuing, golfing, and gardening.

Larry is preceded in death by his daughter Theresa. He is survived by his wife Bernardine; daughters, Marian (Sham) and Anita (Rodney); grandchildren, Claire, Isaiah, and Liliana; sister Helen; brother Steve; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vigil and Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Mass will be 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

Interment will follow in the Guadalupe Cemetery.

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