Octavio A. Mercado, 79, Enjoyed Gardening and Puzzles

Born January 1, 1923 in Coamo, Puerto Rico, he lived in Campbell and Lorain for many years before settling in Elyria 3 years ago.

He served in the US Army during World War II.

He worked as a rail operator for Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Campbell, Ohio for 23 years retiring gin 1976.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, the Crusillo Movement and the Holy Name Society of the church, and the Untied Steel Workers Union.

He enjoyed gardening and puzzles.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Ramonita (nee Miranda), 3 daughters, Gladys Perez of Elyria, Minerva Santiago of Aurora, Illinois, and Lillian Martinez, of Norridge, Illinois, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, brothers, Ramon Alverado, and Jose Alverado, both of Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, and sisters, Ida Velasquez, and Flora Diana, both of Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Alverado, and Simplicia (nee Mercado), a son, Luis Mercado in 1972 and 7 brothers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 13th from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. The Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain is handling the arrangements.