Joe Vera, 75, of Tiffin, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 16, 2013 at his home.

He was born on July 31, 1937 in Houston, TX to Jose C. and Clara M. Vera. On April 30, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Zirger.

Survivors include his wife, Marie; five beloved children, Christine (Michael) Mundschau of Longmont, CO, Mark Vera of Suwanee, GA, Tony (Tina Laugherty) Vera of Tucson, AZ, Jeanne (Bryan) Ardner of Garner, NC and Daniel (Christy Free) Vera of Tiffin; 13 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brother, Vincent Vera of Tiffin; sisters, Ruth Lozano of Houston, TX, Eva Powell of New Port Richey, FL, Josephine Valdez of Harlingen, TX, Caroline Schryer of Holiday, FL and Carmen Kuhn of Tiffin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Burlile and Clara Carroll.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He owned Mohawk Nursery with his wife, Marie until his retirement in 1997, when his son Dan and daughter-in-law, Christy took ownership. After his retirement, Joe became involved with the Seneca County Park District; receiving the first Lifetime Achievement Award from this organization. He was an energetic volunteer until his cancer diagnosis last year. He was also an active volunteer for Mercy Hospital and the Red Cross.

Joe especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren in the woods, sharing with them his appreciation of nature. Joe's campfires were always a magnet for family gatherings, storytelling and bonding.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 20. 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Very Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to the Mass.

Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Christian wake service will begin at 8:00 PM after the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Seneca County Park District, or Bridge Hospice.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.