Suarez, Miguel A.

66. Born April 6, 1950, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. At rest October 17, 2016. His family was precious to him. An Air Force veteran, he was a respected leader in Chicago’s Puerto Rican Community and the campaign to preserve the Lathrop Homes. Miguel was a role model to many in the recovery community. He was a longtime chairman of the Lathrop Leadership Team and a leader of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and the Chicago Housing Initiative. Always striving to improve himself, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, as an adult, at Northeastern Illinois University.

He is survived by his mother, Edith Ruiz; his daughters, Edith Suarez, Michelle Eneida Johnson, Frances ( Mita) Suarez; his brothers, José ( Tito) Suarez and Francisco ( Pancho) Figueroa; his sisters, Edith ( Toñi) Suarez, Maria ( Cuchie) Suarez and Elaine ( Tiny) Lopez; eight grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren. He was especially fond of his nieces, Delilah ( Bebe) Fantauzzi and Marisol ( Pumpkin) Quiles; and his nephews, Hipolito ( Cory) Velazquez, Jose ( Penny) Sanchez, Peter Greco and Carmelo ( Bungie) Cordero. He was preceded in death by his father, Hipolito ( Toro) Suarez; his sister, Daisy Suarez; his brother, Marcelino ( Pucho) Lopez; his nephews, Alfredo ( Pito) Figueroa and Daniel ( Fluti) Cruz; and his niece, Annette ( Nice) Mercado.

Visitation is Friday, October 21, from 4: 00 to 9: 00 p. m. at the Alvarez Funeral Home, 2500 N. Cicero Ave. On Saturday, October 22, family members and friends will gather at 9: 30 a. m. at Alvarez Funeral Home. At 10: 00 a. m., a funeral procession will depart for Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, 8600 N Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, IL.