AYER — Manuel A. Velez, 77 of 31Williams St. died Thursday, August 6 unexpectedly at the Nashoba Valley Medical Center.
Mr. Velez was born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on October 30, 1931 a son of Manuel and Maria Luisa (Medina) Velez and has resided in Ayer since 1971.
Mr. Velez is survived by his wife of 58 years Rafaela (Marty) Velez of Ayer, three daughters and a son-in-law, Brenda and Juan Rodriguez of Shirley, Marlene Velez- O’Brien of Plymouth and Linda Velez-Scullane of Shirley; seven grandchildren, Adam Rodriguez, Tyler Rodriguez, Jordan Rodriguez, Evan O’Brien, Ian O’Brien, Celia Scullane and Felicia Scullane.
Mr. Velez served his country for thirty two years in the US ARMY participating in the Korean War and two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3.
After his service Manny worked for the finance division at the former Fort Devens. He also served as the veteran’s agent for the Town of Ayer and was a substitute teacher at the surrounding schools.
Mr. Velez was a communicant at St. Mary’s Church in Ayer and also served as an usher.
Manny was a graduate of Fitchburg State College.
He was a member and past Grand Knight at the Knights of Columbus in Ayer. He was a former Boy Scouts leader and also a former member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Ayer. Manny was an avid golfer who enjoyed participating in fund raisers to help our youth including the Fitchburg State College Scholarship Foundation golf tournament, the Ayer High School Athletic Boosters golf tournament and the Nashua Valley Boy Scout tournament. Manny was also a proud participant of the Ayer High School Veterans Day program for over ten years.
Manny’s greatest joy was being a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his family.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Thursday at St. Mary’s Church, Shirley St., Ayer. Burial will be in the Bourne National Veteran’s Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA
Calling hours are from 5-8 Wednesday at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer. Please see.wwwandersonfuneral.com for additional information.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attn: Gift Processing.
