Ismael L. Velez

Ismael L. "Big Louie" Velez, Sr., age 68, of Lorain, died on Friday, September 30, 2005 at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born on April 13, 1937 in Lares, Puerto Rico, lived in Lorain for the past 59 years.
He had worked as a metal finisher in the passenger body shop at Ford Motor Company, Lorain for 26 years, retiring in 1999. After his retirement he worked at Neghborhood Housing Authority, Lorain, delivering Meals on Wheels.
He was a member of UAW Local #425, Lorain. Ismael enjoyed fishing, raising his roosters, his children, gardening, traveling and watching boxing.
He is survived by his daughter: Jodi L. Santana, of Mannheim, Germany, sons: Jeffrey L. Velez, of Scottsdale, Arizona, David H. Velez, of Lorain, Ismael L. Velez, Jr. Vincent Velez, Both of Orlando, Florida, and Roy Hebebrand, of Elyria, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, brothers: Angelo M. Velez and Gilberto Velez, both of Lorain, and sister: Teresa Gonzalez, of North Ridgeville, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Nemecio and Modesta (nee Lopez) Velez.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 4, 2004 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.