Luis D. Pelaez, 62, Salesman

He was born July 20, 1939 in Colombia, South America. He came to the United States in 1974 and lived in New York. He has resided in Lorain for the past 4 years.

He worked as a salesman for furniture stores in New York for 7 years until becoming ill. He was a member of Lorain Spanish Congregational Jehovah's Witnesses and the El Centro De Services Sociales in Lorain.

While in Columbia, he played professional soccer; he also enjoyed sewing especially tailoring and gardening.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Violet J. (nee Lopez), son: Caleb Johnson of Lorain, Jason Johnson of Lorain, 4 grandchildren, sister, Lillia Aurora-Palaez-Vidal of Colombia, S. America, brother, Herman Pelaez-Vidal of Colombia, S. America, nephew, Luis Fernando-Pelaez-Gamboa of Colombia, S. America.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Luis Pelaez Ramirez and Mariela Vidal Marin and sons Carlos Mario Pelaez and Juan Hoairo Pelaez.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 21, 2002 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2340 Crehore St., Lorain. Tim Priestes will officiate.