Benjamin Valadez Obituary

Valadez, Benjamin V. Age 81. Late of Merrillville, formerly of South Chicago. Passed away November 7, 2012. Beloved husband of Amparo "Ann" for 61 years; Loving father of Dennis (Rosemary), Ron (Evelyn) Valadez, and the late Nancy (Dan) Victor; Cherished grandfather of Ben (Becky) Valadez and Danielle (Javier) Irizarry; Dearest great-grandfather of Mason, Lauren, Ashlyn, and Colton Valadez, and Nicholas Irizarry; Dear brother of Elias (late Rita), Lupe (Olivia) Valadez, Frances (Dominick) Mazza, Gerardo (Margaret) Valadez, the late Sacramento, and the late Frank (Emily) Valadez; Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Ben was a retired bricklayer for US Steel South Works after 40 years of dedicated service and was featured on the front page of the Sun Times as one of the last employees to shut off the lights as US Steel closed. He was a past officer, member, and editor of the newspaper for USWA Local #65. Also he held elected positions as Trustee of Local #65 as well as a Grievance Committee Member. Playing many sports growing up, Ben served as quarterback for Our Lady of Guadalupe School and was a proud lettermen in basketball and baseball for Bowen High School. One of his proudest achievements was the design and construction of the Veteran Monument on 100th Street and Ewing Avenue. Ben was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and dear friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Visitation Sunday 3:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Services Monday, November 12, 2012 at 8:15 am from the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Mass of Christian Burial 9:00 am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital preferred. 773-731-2749.