Former Darienite Christopher Perez, 28, Drowns in Pool

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Monday, at  for former Darien resident Christopher Perez, 28, who  Aug. 19, while swimming at a neighbors' house, Fairfield police said.

Perez, of Evergreen Hill Road, Fairfield, has been described as a good swimmer. He was with his 14-year-old stepsister and was reportedly dogsitting for the neighbor. He had permission to use the pool, according to Fairfield Police Deputy Chief Christopher Lyddy.

After Perez had swum the entire length of the pool under water, he told his stepsister he was experiencing discomfort in one of his arms. Perez then went back under water and after a short period of time, his stepsister realized he was not surfacing, Lyddy said.

Perez’ stepsister ran home to get her parents, who went to the pool and performed CPR.

Perez was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, Lyddy said. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning. 

Perez and the juvenile were the only ones present at the time of the incident.

The Swan Funeral Home of Madison, CT issued the following obituary:

Christopher D. Perez, age 27 of Fairfield, passed away on Aug. 19. Christopher was born in Sharon, CT on Nov. 19, 1984 to Peg Perez of Darien, CT and Manny Perez of Fairfield, CT.

Christopher was predeceased by his grandparents Jane and Chuck DeVinne of Madison, CT and Molly and Manuel Perez of Newburgh, NY.

Other than his parents, Christopher is survived by his aunt Kathy DeVinne Reinmund of Boynton Beach, FL as well as Manny's wife Janet Shaw and their daughter Alexandra Shaw.

Christopher attended King-Low Heywood Thomas School and . He worked in a drug rehabilitation program as a sober companion from 2003 until 2008.

Christopher's interment will take place on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Memorial Garden in Madison, CT. A memorial service will take place on Monday, Aug. 27, at 11:00 a.m. at  in Darien. Swan Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements. www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Humane Society, 455 Post Rd. East, Westport, CT 06880 or to Norwalk Grassroots Tennis, 394 West Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850.

Editor's note: Other than the obituary information, this article by Fairfield Patch on Aug. 19, 2012. The obituary information originally was published on the website of the Swan Funeral Home in Madison, CT.