Abelardo "Abe" Heredia

**Obituary for Abelardo (Abe) Heredia**

Abelardo (Abe) Heredia, aged 90, of Toledo, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the home of his daughter in Defiance, Ohio. Born on July 3, 1934, in Malakoff, Texas, he was the son of the late Catarino and Santos (Montes) Heredia. On October 23, 1954, he wed Mabel L. (Olvera) Heredia, who also predeceased him.

Abe completed his education at Central High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in 1953. He and Mabel established their roots in Toledo, where he began his career at Schmidt’s Packing House, working there for about a decade. He then dedicated many years to Dana Corporation until his retirement. Following retirement, Abe served as a groundskeeper at Walbridge Park for 12 years.

An avid sports enthusiast, Abe had a deep affection for the Dallas Cowboys, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Celtics. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and cherished time spent at the Buckingham Palace bar, including participation in the dart team. His connection to the Hispanic community was significant, with active involvement in the Latin United Club, where he attended many monthly meetings. Abe was known for his warmth and the friendships he nurtured over the years, often reminiscing about the people he met at local establishments. Fondly called a "character," he delighted in sharing stories and proudly referred to himself as the "Champene," indicating his vibrant spirit.

Abe is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mabel; his daughter Carmen Heredia; his grandson Thomas Dombroff; his granddaughter Christie Heredia; his brothers Federico (Barbara), Gonzalo (Julia), and Jesse Heredia; and his son-in-law Ben Reyes.

He is survived by his children, Santos “Sandie” Reyes and Abelardo V. “Dino” Heredia, Jr.; his grandchildren Heather (Thad) Save of Toledo, Ohio, Mystie (Steven) Meis of Corpus Christi, Texas, Sarah Dombroff of Defiance, Ohio, Timothy (Raelynn) Reed of Wauseon, Ohio, Mabel Heredia, and Dino Heredia; as well as his great-grandchildren Chelsea Head, Taylor Head, Alexander Head, Jason Hutchinson, Dillon Yaney, Mark Yaney, Joseph Yaney, Thomas Dombroff II, Aaliyah Dombroff, Amya Martinez, Dillon Norris, Daxon Reed, and Emersyn Reed. He is also survived by his beloved great-great-grandchildren Lorenzo Hutchinson, Ezekiel Hutchinson, and Lonnie Yaney, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and his brothers Raymond (Rosalie) Heredia of Prescott, Arizona, Manuel (Susan) Heredia of Houston, Texas, and Arthur (Peggy) Heredia of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Visitation will be held at Walter Funeral Home, located at 4653 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, on Monday, March 17th, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at Immaculate Conception Church, 434 Eastern Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, on Tuesday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Waterville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Community Health Professionals Hospice in Defiance, Ohio.

Abe's legacy of kindness and joy will be cherished by all who knew him.