In Memory

Manuel Velez

Manuel Velez

Manuel O. Velez, LTC USAR, Retired Manuel Osvaldo Velez, 87, passed away June 30, 2018. Born January 6, 1931 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, he attended school on the island and in the United States. Upon graduation from Miami High School in 1949, he attended the University of Puerto Rico, where he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. Army. Ozzie, as he was known to friends and family, served in the Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Lewis when he met his wife-to-be, Ann Meurer, whom he married in 1957 and became a Washingtonian. Upon separation from active duty, he attended the University of Western Washington, where he completed his BA in Education. He taught biology and Spanish at Peninsula High School, and he continued serving with the Army as a reservist with Tacoma's 6236 USAR School until retirement in 1991 at Lt. Col. He never understood the word "no" in either English or Spanish, and was always ready to jump in when help was needed. Among his many passions and activities were terms as President of NORTAC and Tacoma Pierce County Junior Soccer Clubs, and as Disaster Chairman for Tacoma Red Cross. He was also a longtime member of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, and will be remembered as a loving and caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and teacher. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann, sons Douglas and Carl, daughter Carmen, and grandchildren Wesley, Mason, Shane, and Elena.

 

 







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