Obituary of Raul Velez Rosa

Raul Velez Rosa

10/10/1931 – 12/27/2018

Raul Velez Rosa, 87, of Long Branch, NJ, passed away peacefully by his family’s side on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at home.  He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1931, to the late Ladislao Velez Figueroa and Rosa Rosa Renta.  He was one of six siblings.

Raul was destined to be a great man, a servant; he treated everyone as if they were family.  His life was of love and labour.  His love for family was true and he did his best for all.  Raul was also a hero and an outstanding role model. 

He joined the U.S. Army shortly after his 20^th birthday and served during the Korean War.  He continued to do so the 8 years following his active duty as a Reserve.  He received the Korean Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Star, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge & National Defense Service Medal.

After his time in the military, he worked various jobs, before becoming a Communications Engineer for the Telefonica de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Telephone Company) for almost 35 years before retiring, where he did everything including installing phone lines on street poles.

He is survived by his children, Jonathan Velez-Bey and his wife Kellyann Velez-Bey of Long Branch; Joan Velez-Paredes of Naples, Florida; Raul Velez, Jr., and Caroline Diaz.  Also surviving are his 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.