Felix Antonio Rosario Zayas

Blessed with 102 years, Felix Antonio Rosario Zayas has passed peacefully, surrounded by his devoted and loving family. He was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, of Spanish descent, and immigrated to the United States in 1949. He was the son of the late Antonio Rosario Colon and Ambrosia Zayas Morales. Felix was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Pagan Gonzalez; his siblings, Esther, Rosa, Sara, Tony, and Evelio; his grandson, Camilo James; and his son-in-law, Cel Rivera.

He is survived by his children: Myrna Skarupa (Joe), Elba Armstrong Rivera, Lillian Barkus, Felix Jr. (Mary), Aracelis Wertz, Jose (Denise), and Rosa Keene; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Reading Scripture was a daily part of Felix’s mornings and before retiring for the night. He was a deacon of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he was respected for his inspirational sermons and admired for his beautiful singing voice. He donated his time generously to his church and community charities.

Felix was a Veteran, and as a young man, he had enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII to proudly serve his country.

While enjoying his 35 years at U.S. Steel and during his political affiliation, Felix fought tirelessly for equal rights for all, especially the minority population.

Felix was a lover of nature. He surrounded his home with different varieties of flowers, especially red roses, every spring and summer. He did this while enjoying the Lake Erie view.

Felix also relished sitting in his favorite recliner and admiring all the family photos, old and new.

Felix spent the last year of his life at Lorain Estates Senior Living Community. Thank you to all the staff for the dignity and respect shown to him and for making him feel at home.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, located at 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where funeral services will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst. To send the family online condolences, go to www.dovinfcs.com.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Elyria, Ohio.