Israel Velez, Iii

Israel Velez III, 43, of Union, NJ entered God’s kingdom on March 13th, 2023. He was born June 14th, 1979, to the late Israel Velez Jr. and mother Yilian Weiss. Born in Livingston and raised in Union, he graduated from Union High School. For the last seventeen years he worked for the United States Postal Service as a Supervisor. Israel’s passion was Martial Arts, He started martial arts at the age of 5 under his father Israel Velez, Master Velez was a karate instructor, wrestling coach and power lifter. He trained at the House of Empty Hands and at the Yoshin Ryu Combat Academy. He was the owner of the Velez School of Martial Arts; has trained with some of the best martial artist from around the country.

In 2003 he founded, Velez Jujitsu, also known as American Modern Jujitsu; Founder of the International Breaking Federation and Diversified League of Martial Arts. He was a black belt instructor in Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, Rapid Assault Tactics Instructor and earned black belts in several martial arts styles. He was also inducted into several martial arts hall of fames including the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was also featured in an article written by Black Belt magazine; was certified to do security work in the state of New Jersey. He trained in martial arts breaking and held many martial arts breaking world records. He was a 4th Dan in Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, 8th Dan Mixed Martial Arts Style; 8th Dan Shinja Buke Ryu.

Israel was a beloved martial arts mentor and instructor to many children and adults around the world. He also taught many classes around the country and held yearly martial arts breaking competitions in Atlantic City and Pennsylvania with his company International Breaking Federation. He organized and held many fundraising events to help raise money for Autism Awareness and children with autism with his federation. Israel was also a minister, devoted Christian, and believer in Jesus Christ and saved many people introducing Jesus into their life.

Israel’s family, friends, students, and co-workers always talked about the indelible impression and mark he left on their life. He had the most contagious loud laugh, outgoing personality, and great sense of humor. He always had the ability to make those around him laugh. He was always there for his loved ones and was the type of person you can call anytime, and he would answer and be there to help. He was an amazing father and loved his kids dearly and with all his heart. His kids always came first, and he worked very hard to take care of them. He would love to tell everyone about how amazing his children are and loved spending time with them, they were his world.

Israel was a loving father, son, brother, nephew, and cousin. He is survived by his Mother Yilian Weiss, Stepfather George Weiss, and his Brother Jeffrey Velez. His four children Catherine Isabel Craig Velez, Max Velez, Logan Velez, and Helen Audra Craig Velez. His Aunts Brenda Gennaro, Esther Martinez, Karyl Velez, Yelina Romero and Marilyn Perez. His Uncle Ray Perez Jr., and his many beloved cousins.

We welcome family and friends who would like to pay their final respects to our beloved “Izzy” Israel Velez.

A viewing will be held on Sunday March 26th, 2023, at 4:00pm – 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday March 27th at 10:00am - 11:00 am. Both the Viewing and Funeral Service will be held at Union Funeral Home - Lytwyn & Grillo.- 1600 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083.

Mausoleum Entombment will be held directly after the Funeral Service at 12pm at Fairview Cemetery & Arboretum – 1100 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ 07090.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Nassan's Place in his memory.