Evelio Rosario Sr., 76, Councilman
Evelio Rosario Sr., 76, of Orlando, Florida, died Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at Florida Hospital East, Orlando following a lengthy illness.
Born July 22, 1928 in Ciales, Puerto Rico, he came to Lorain in 1946 and lived here until returning to Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1996. He returned to Lorain frequently to visit, and moved to Orlando, Florida 6 months ago.
During the late 1950's and early 1960's, he was the owner and manager of various local restaurants and nite clubs. Evelio served as the first Hispanic to be elected as councilman in the city of Lorain for the 5th ward in the early 1960's, having served three terms. He was active in the democratic parties of Lorain City and County, as well as the State of Ohio, and active in local, state and national political campaigns. Following his term as councilman, he retired from the City of Lorain, where he worked with the Urban Renewal Program in Community Development. Evelio also worked at Lorain Works US Steel as a heavy equipment operator for 26 years until 1970's, then for the Ohio Department of Transportation. He also had worked as a local real estate agent.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, and a founding member of the Cursillo Movement at the chapel. He was one the original founding members of the Lorain Puerto Rican Home, and one of its first presidents. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 1104.
He enjoyed political affairs, family gatherings, music, dominoes, and dining out.
Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Carmen (nee Otero), sons; Evelio Jr. of Lorain, and Luis of Amherst Twp., daughters; Carmen Alicia of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Iris Gracia of Palm Bay, Florida, Nilsa Badillo of Orlando, Florida, Mildred Ortiz and Eileen Rosario both of Lorain, 22 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren, brothers; Felix Rosario and Antonio Rosario both of Lorain, sisters, Sara Gonzales and Esther Montes both of Lorain.
He was preceded in death by his son; Henry Rosario in 1968, his parents; Antonio Rosario and Ambrosia (nee Zayas) Rosario, granddaughter; Lisa Alicia, brothers; Jose Rosario, Hector Rosario, and sisters; Rosa Morales, Dorin Pagan, Ana Luisa Gonzalez, and Gloria Vargas.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain, where funeral services will be Monday at 10:15 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Fr. Manuel Cordova, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
To send online condolence, go to www.dovinfuneralhome.com.