Louis N. ''Junior'' Velez, 56, Ford Ohio Assembly Plant Retiree

Born November 12, 1949 in San Turce, Puerto Rico. He came to Lorain in 1950. He Lorain resident for 54 years, before moving to Elyria in 2004.

He graduated from Admiral King High School, Lorain in 1966. He received his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Fresno State, Fresno California.

Mr. Velez served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He earned Vietnam Service Metal with four bronze stars Vietnam Campaign Metal, Navy Commendation, a Presidential Citation, Distinguished Service Metal and a Meritorious Unit Citation.

He retired as a Behr tender in 2001 from Ford Ohio Assembly Plant he had also worked for the Lorain Assembly Plant. He worked for Ford for 22 years.

Mr. Velez was an member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain and The United Auto Workers Local 2000, Sheffield Village. He enjoyed playing chess, playing his guitar and fishing.

Among the survivors are his sons Alex Torres of Puerto Rico, Jeremy Bodnar and Sean Velez both of Lorain; brothers Dr. Louis M. Velez, PhD. of Elyria, A. Velez of Lorain and Gilbert Velez of Amherst; sisters Teresa Gonzalez and Anna "Zorry" Lopez Both of Cleveland; three grand children and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nemsio and Modesta Sierra (nee Lopez) Velez, a brother Ismale Velez and a niece.

Friends may call Tuesday, September 5, 2006, 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, Ohio, where funeral service will be 8:45 AM followed by mass Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, South Lorain. Reverend Father William A. Thaden, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. The Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20, Lorain will conduct military honors.