Hello Everyone,

Gerard (Jerry) S. Velez unexpectedly passed away on June 11, 2023. We are saddened by this event. Sadly, funds for Jerry's memorial are sparse, as we were not prepared for this. We are raising money to cover the cost of a direct cremation. Jerry had mentioned having a sunrise beach memorial because he felt at peace in those moments watching the sunrise over the ocean. Jerry loved taking pictures and was great at it because he saw beauty in things most people would not. I and our daughter Hazel would like to honor that request and sail Jerry's ashes into the ocean at sunrise. Unfortunately, because of the lack of funds, Jerry hasn't been claimed from the coroners' office to a crematory and there are only 30 days from the time he passed before the state of Georgia takes rights of him. We have privately been trying to raise funds and haven't had much luck, so this has become an urgent matter. This will mean that we can't have his ashes or any personal belongings if the state takes over. We are torn up about this.

I've known Jerry for nearly 18 years, and he was a great friend to me over the years. I, Hazel, plus, the rest of the family will miss him a great deal. He loved hard when it came to his family and friends. It would mean so much to our daughter and he was a great friend of mine which is why I'm asking for help. I'm trying to raise enough money to cover most of the cost of the direct cremation priced at $1400.

Thank you for your help, condolences, and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tara Keeth