Paul Edward Velez

Paul Edward Velez, 94, of Clermont, Florida passed away April 12, 2023.  He was born in Bedford Hills, New York on December 16, 1928.

Paul graduated from Hastings on the Hudson High School in 1948.  Paul was a born leader who was class president and eventually student body president during his senior year.  He was also a leader on the playing field as he lettered in football, baseball and boxing.  Upon graduation, Paul was accepted to and attended Springfield College in Massachusetts (1948-50).

He joined the Army National Guard in 1949 and was called to serve his country as the Korean Conflict began.  Paul earned the rank of First Lieutenant in the Army and was eventually stationed at Camp Atterbury in Indiana.  This is where, in 1953, he met and married Patricia Paddack who would be his wife for the next 61 years.  In November 1953, Paul was honorably discharged from the Army and in 1954 he began attending Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis).

While at ICC he lettered in football, baseball and wrestling and his senior year, he was awarded the Walter Brenneman Sportsmanship Award.  Paul graduated from ICC in 1956.

Following graduation he was employed by Franklin Township High School as a Biology teacher, assistant football and baseball coach and began the wrestling program at the school.  He also served as the Franklin Township High School athletic director (1958-62).

In 1962, Paul returned to Indiana Central College as the head football coach (1962-68) and head wrestling coach (1962-70), Assistant Baseball Coach, Physical Education Instructor, and Health & Safety Instructor.

Paul moved from ICC in 1970 and began his work at Greenwood Middle School where he served as guidance counselor (1970-78) and beloved principal (1978-93).

Other notable accomplishments:

• Managed the Greenwood City Pool where he taught and coached swimming, 1971-79
• Served as an athletic official in baseball, football and wrestling
• Inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, 1979
• Served as Greenwood City Councilman at-Large, elected 1979 &1983
• Outstanding Educator-Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, 1980
• Received the University of Indianapolis Alumni Varsity Club “I” person of the year, 1990
• May 19, 2006 was proclaimed “Paul Velez” day at Greenwood Middle school and the circular driveway in front was named in his honor.
• Inducted into the University of Indianapolis Athletics Hall of Fame, 2008
• Church Affiliations:
  • Greenwood Community Church
  • Church of the Lakes (Nineveh, IN)
  • First Baptist of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
  • Minneola Alliance (Minneola, FL)

Upon retirement, Paul moved to Florida where he continued to stay active spending time with family, substitute teaching, gardening, coaching & umpiring little league, and providing leadership at church.  The last 9 years of his life, he lived at Orchard Heights Gracious Retirement Living where he met many wonderful friends.  He also continued to stay busy participating in activities, playing bridge and providing spiritual leadership.

Paul dearly loved his family and always looked forward to spending time with them having family dinners and playing card games & dominoes. Paul had a charisma that attracted and inspired everyone including his family, athletes, students, colleagues and friends.  He was an extraordinary person who is loved and admired by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his children, John Velez, David Velez, Paula (Dave) Kesting; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-Law Linda Knight; and brother-in-Law Bill Knight.

In addition, he is preceded in passing by his mother, Anita; first wife Patricia Velez; son Michael Velez; daughter Toni Maw; daughter-in-law Donna (Moran) Velez; and second wife, Mary Sue Velez.

Memorial contributions can be made in Paul’s memory to Greenwood Veteran’s Memorial, Inc., 704 South State Road 135, Box 307, Greenwood, IN 46143.

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