Nelson Laviena, Sr.

Portage, Indiana

Nelson Laviena, Sr., age 68, a resident of Portage passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011. He was born on March 18, 1943 in Humacao, Puerto Rico and his parents were Bolivar and Rosa Lebron. Nelson proudly served our country in the United States Army. He was married to Leonor Maldonado on November 22, 1969 in Gary. Nelson worked for the Gary-Hobart Water Company retiring after 28 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, collecting seashells, and loved animals. His greatest joy was building and flying model airplanes.

Nelson is survived by his loving family, wife Leonor Laviena, Portage, sons Nelson (Valerie) Laviena, Jr., Portage, Daniel Laviena, Tampa, Florida, Michael Laviena, Tampa, Florida, and Anthony Laviena, New York, New York, grandchildren Sabrina Laviena, Briana Laviena, Marc Biggs, and Natalie Laviena, sister Becky (William) Marquez, Valparaiso, brothers Louis (Nancy) Gonzales, Portage, and William (Connie) Lebron, Portage, and other loving family and dear friends. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George Gonzales.

A visitation for Nelson Laviena, Sr. will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Rees Funeral Home – Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. Morning visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Friday, August 12, 2011 directly at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am with Father Andrew J. Corona, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Memorials in Nelson's memory may be made to the Laviena Family. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.