Tony Perez was born Jose Anthony Perez of Puerto Rican and Filipino descent. He grew up in San Diego, California as well as in Virginia, and on West 68 Street, Manhattan, New York City. Before being torn down, his neighborhood was immortalized in the movie West Side Story (1961). His father proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. Perez paints and writes poetry, some of which has been published. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Marie Gagne since August 30, 1961. They have a daughter, Linda Marie Lawrence.