William Jacob Velacich

Obituary William Velacich William (Willie) Velacich born March 22, 1922, to Ursula and Jacob Velacich, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 6, 2015. Raised in Ruston, he served in the U.S. Army, European Theater 1942-45. Willie worked at Medosweet/Foremost Dairy for 36 years where he met his wife Florence Smiley in 1947. They were married at St. Martin of Tours Church on September 17, 1949 and celebrated their 65th Anniversary this year. Willie was kind, content, compassionate, a friend to everyone he met and had an amazing sense of humor. Family was always his first priority - if they were happy, he was happy. We were blessed to celebrate Christmas together as a family and have many special memories of wonderful times spent together. We will miss his wit, humor and gentle guidance. Willie is survived by his wife, Florence; son, Bill Velacich (Debbie); daughter, Mary Mancuso (Jim); grandson, Matthew Gadsby; and special sister-in-law, Jo Klarich; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Mary Johnson, Anne Sumich, Margaret Jacobson; and brother, John Velacich. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church in Fife, rosary will be recited prior to Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send remembrances to St. Martin of Tours Renovation Fund, 2303 54th Ave. E. Fife, WA 98424. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.