Dec. 28, 1925 — Feb. 2, 2019

Carmelo Velez, 93, of Niles, passed away at his daughter’s home in Mississippi, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, where he had been staying for just a short time.

Carmelo was born on Dec. 28, 1925, to the late Carmelo and Monsarate (Padin) Velez in Isabela, Puerto Rico.

After graduating from high school, Carmelo went on to attend college for a short period of time. I

n 1945, he joined the U.S. Army. He worked at the Green Giant mushroom canning plant and then as a supervisor for Simplicity Pattern Company before he was hired in as a utility worker for the City of Niles where he stayed until his retirement in 1994.

On Jan. 16, 1952, he wed LaVonde at a ceremony in Niles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Eaves; brothers, Alfredo, Arseno, Denisio “Dennis”, and Frank; and sisters, Romanita, Juanita, Carmen, Angela, and Marcy.

Carmelo is survived by his wife, LaVonde Velez; children, Carlos (Rosalee) Velez, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Esther (Danny) Redwine , of Bruce, Mississippi, and Diana (George) Laird, of Water Valley, Mississippi; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, John Velez, Alva Lou “Lucy” Velez, Elva Lou “Elva”, Cecelia “Chai” and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb, 8, 2019, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel where it will be concluding with military honors.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.