Santos Aponte Diaz, 91, Proud Member of Sacred Heart Chapel

He was born Dec. 16, 1917 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Mr. Aponte worked for 30 years at Norfolk and Western Railroad, retiring in 1982.

Mr. Aponte was a proud member of Sacred Heart Chapel where he served as an Usher. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society, Cursillo Movement, and volunteered countless hours during activities and projects. He was named Holy Name Society Man of the Year.

In 1997 he was recognized by the Lorain Puerto Rican community during its 50th Anniversary celebration for being one of the original pioneers in 1952. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employee Union.

Mr. Aponte’s faith and service to God was very important to him and it showed in his examples. Santos remained very active until his illness by visiting family and friends, gardening, playing cards, and watching sports. He was an avid NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed the outdoors, but his most cherished moments were spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marciana Aponte (nee Colon). Sons: Heriberto (Audrey) Aponte, Weston, FL and Freddy (Margarita) Aponte, Lorain. Daughters: Lourdes (Domer) Aponte-Richter, Sheffield Lake, Lillian Aponte, Coral Springs, FL and Mildred (Frank) Aguayo, Lorain. Grandchildren: Daniel, Jaclyn, Erica, Joshua, Zachary and Dana Aponte, Jennifer and Myra Richter, Alexis and Alena Aguayo.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dominga Diaz, 1979, father Gabino Aponte, 1982 and sons Nicolas Aponte, 1970, and Bernardo Aponte, 1992.

His family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. Friends may also call on Friday, Feb. 27th at Sacred Heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, from 8:30 a.m. until the Mass of the Resurrection at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Fr. William Thaden will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.