Ernest Velazquez

Ernest Velazquez, 95, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2019, in Jacksonville, FL, surrounded by family. He was born in Ponce, PR, on March 6, 1924, to the late Sabas Velazquez and Mary Velazquez. Ernie, was fun-loving and friendly to everyone he met including strangers, adored his family and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as a loyal servant of the church who loved God. Ernie was very proud of his time in the service and being a part of the United States Navy. He joined soon after Pearl Harbor and gave 24 years of service to our country. His second career was spent teaching children at Duval County Public School System. After teaching in the classroom he moved to the district office and led a new program for bilingual children coming from other countries. He felt that there was a need to allow children whose native language wasn’t English all the opportunities this country had to offer. He enjoyed this time immensely and had an impact on many young people in his 20 years within the school system. Ernie had a glorious retirement after his many years of working. He played golf and tennis as well as spent a lot of time with Linda who he loved very much. His life meant something to many people and anyone who had the pleasure of his company was better for it. He is survived by his loving children daughter Patti Girgis (Freddy), Mark Velazquez (Melanie), Vic Wilk (Miche’) and daughters Toni Zeringue (Steve), and Beverly Velazquez. He has thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, June 13, 2019 beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 5042 Timuquana Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210. Father James Barnhill will be officiating. The interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery located at 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32218. Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, is serving the family.