Refugio (Cuco) Vela, 96, of San Antonio passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019. He was born November 27, 1922 in Cuero to the late Manuel and Leonor Duran Vela. Refugio married Pauline Abrego on June 5, 1954 in Yorktown. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Army. Refugio retired after many years of service as a grocery store manager. He was a member of the VFW and San Luis Catholic Church in San Antonio.

Refugio is survived by his sons, Michael Joseph Vela and Eddie Vela; daughter, Cecilia (KIKI) Vela; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pauline Vela.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery.