William Lugo Velez

William Lugo Velez, age 85 of Toms River, passed away on Thursday May 5, 2022, at his home. He was born on October 18, 1937, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He lived in New York City most of his life before settling in Toms River with his family. William lived in Puerto Rico until the age 13 and always dreamed of returning there to live a simple life on a farm raising chickens. When he moved to New York City, he took up shoe-shining which he enjoyed for many years. He also enjoyed watching wrestling, talking with people, going to church, and very much enjoyed his friends at adult daycare.

William was predeceased by his mother, Elsa Velez, and his sister, Iris Naomi Laboy. Surviving are his brother, Francisco Hernandez; his sister, Evelyn Diaz; his nephew, Eric Diaz and his wife Stephanie and their sons Nicolas, Tyler, and Justin; his nephew, John Anthony Laboy and his wife, Becky; his niece, Melissa Laboy and her son Alejandro; and his niece, Melinda Cesaro and her children Chase and Mia. He is also survived by his cousin Jeanette Velez and her wife Nelly.

Visitation will be this Friday, May 13, 2022, from 9:30-11:30 at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721. Immediately following, a funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas R.C. Church, 33 Woodland Road, Bayville NJ 08721, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, 58 Cedar Grove Road, Toms River NJ 08753. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Barnabas R.C. Church in his Williams memory.

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