ISMAEL A. VELEZ

January 4, 1932 - April 30, 2022

He will be laid to rest via a small family ceremony at the South Florida National Cemetery for Veterans. People wishing to honor Ismael's lifelong commitment to family and friends may make donations in his name to Trustbridge at: https://trustbridge.com/donate-now/. This is the Hospice company that did a wonderful job caring for Ismael during his last days with us. May God be with us all and may Ismael rest in peace. We know he will always be with us.

ISMAEL A. VELEZ of Pembroke Pines, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 90. After several months of declining health, Ismael died peacefully with his beloved wife of 66 years Ligia and their children by his side.

Ismael was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on January 4, 1932, to father Alfonso Velez and mother Rosa Toro-Velez. He was the last surviving of their 3 sons and one daughter. Ismael earned his High School diploma in Ponce. From his parents he learned the importance of having both a strong work ethic and doing everything possible to take care of his family. He was married on April 1, 1956 to Ligia Valle. Ismael was drafted into the Army at the age of 20. He served during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955 and earned an Honorable Discharge and a Good Conduct Medal.

After ending his tour with the Army, Ismael returned to New York City, where he and Ligia got married. Ismael had a 20 year career with Steinway Pianos. After that, he worked as a Conductor and Motorman for the New York City Transit Authority. His tireless work for the Transit Authority (TA) is what helped set up his family for a happy life together. He retired from the TA in 1988. Ismael invested his free time being the wonderful person he always was – spending time with his family, playing sports – baseball, softball, bowling, fishing and golf and being a wonderful “second parent” to all of the kids growing up in Rosedale. He is best remembered as a loving husband and father and one of the most kind and caring people anyone will ever meet.

Ismael was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Alfonso, Juan Elias and Hugo and his sister Rosa. He is survived by his wife Ligia Velez, children Ismael Velez, Jr. and Jeffrey Velez, grandchildren Armando Velez, Anthony Velez, Veronica Velez, Alyssa Velez and Jessica Velez.

He will be laid to rest via a small family ceremony at the South Florida National Cemetery for Veterans.

People wishing to honor Ismael’s lifelong commitment to family and friends may make donations in his name to Trustbridge at: https://trustbridge.com/donate-now/. This is the Hospice company that did a wonderful job caring for Ismael during his last days with us. May God be with us all and may Ismael rest in peace. We know he will always be with us.