Dr. Celestino Jose Perez Faura, known as “Tito” by friends and family, died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 22, 2022. 

He lived his life as a thrill seeker. Growing up in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Tito spent his early years speeding around his neighborhood on his motorcycle. He began swimming at a young age, and at 16 years old Tito swam for Puerto Rico at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He attended Mercersburg Academy, PA, where he learned English, and then continued his swimming career at Pinecrest Academy, FL. Tito then attended Indiana University, where he met and later married the love of his life, Rebecca Lehman Perez. 

Tito and Rebecca settled in Puerto Rico where he could be spotted driving his 500 Kawasaki to dental school. He obtained a DMD specializing in Pediatrics and Orthodontics. Tito became an avid sailor and traveled all over the Caribbean Sea. Tito was especially proud when he picked up his 36-foot Beneteau sailboat in Guadeloupe and sailed by the night stars up the Antilles to Puerto Rico. 

        After school, he opened a private pediatric dental practice in Caguas. After work, he would regularly play tennis with his childhood friends. Somehow, Tito made time in his busy schedule to take flight lessons and obtained his single-engine pilot’s license. This came in handy when he had to rescue his wife who had become stranded on St. Thomas island. 

In 1997 the family moved to Savannah, GA. He continued his passion for boating, joining the Landings Sailing Club and racing Rhodes 19’ sailboats on the weekends. 

   His inspiring persona and steadfast endurance will be missed by his friends & family.

   He is survived by his wife Rebecca and his two sons Jesse and Ian. A memorial will be announced in the near future.