Emilio Poppy Velez

Emilio "Poppy" Velez, 64, of Vermilion, died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Scenic Pointe Nursing And Rehab Center, Millersburg, OH after a lengthy illness. Emilio was born August 10, 1947 in Guanica, Puerto Rico, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 27 years moving from Lorain. He attended Balboa High School, Canal Zone, Panama and graduated from Monmouth Regional High School, Tinton Falls, NJ. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during Vietnam. Emilio worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist for the Department of Defense for 18 years retiring in 2002. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was a member of the Amherst Golf league and past assistant High School and Hot Stove Baseball coach. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dolores "Dee" (nee Kerns) Jones-Velez of Vermilion; sons, Mike (Angelique Lovett) Jones of Vermilion and Kevin Jones of Vermilion; grandchildren, Taylor and Michael Jones of Dublin, OH; and Sierra Jones of Vermilion; brothers, Pedro (Diana)Velez of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Miguel Velez of North Palm Beach, FL, and Jose (Awilda) Velez of Bayamon, Puerto Rico; and sister, Mildred Velez of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Angelita (nee Martinez) Velez. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion Ohio. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The Reverend Cliff Morris will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45290-0301 . Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.