Aiden Perez

Aiden Perez, age 17, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 21, 2026.  He was born on December 4, 2008 in Munster, Indiana.

Aiden was born with hydrocephalus and faced many challenges in his life.  Even with a prognosis that was not promising, he proved everyone wrong and was determined to beat all odds.  He made his family so proud with all his accomplishments.  Aiden would have been a senior at Griffith High School this year.  He was a two year letterman in bowling at Griffith High School.  His future plan was to go to trade school and become a mechanic.  He was a big supporter of his little brother, Evan.  He wouldn’t miss a game of baseball or hockey and would cheer him on from the sidelines.  Aiden had a big heart and loved being with family and friends.  He enjoyed bike riding, listening to metal music, playing his electric guitar, bowling, and camping during his favorite holiday, Halloween.  He also loved his two dogs, Luna and Nova.

Aiden is survived by his loving parents, Nicole and Whalen Arnold; brother, Evan Arnold; grandparents, Richard and Mary Lou Zakrzewski, and Beverly Arnold; godfather and uncle, Richard (Jennifer, and children, Alexander and Maya) Zakrzewski; godmother, Elise Garcia; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by great grandparents, Corando and Raquel Gonzalez; Lucian and Maria Zakrzewski; great uncle, George Zakrzewski; grandfather, Whalen “Billy” Arnold; and uncle, Josh Gonzalez.

Aiden was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.  His smile will never be forgotten and will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched.  Aiden was our miracle who was taken too soon.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322.  Prayer service will begin at 4:30pm, officiated by Father Keith Virus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 525 N Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319, with visitation 45 minutes prior to Mass.  Family will also be speaking prior to the beginning of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be collected at the funeral home during visitation or at church before Mass.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center by calling Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aiden Perez, please visit our floral store.