Anthony R. Velasquez

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the end of a life well lived: Anthony R Velasquez was summoned by our Lord on 04/26/2025, he was at his home in Alamosa Colorado with his wife Judi, beloved family members and amazing friends by his side. Born 6/17/1950 to Arthur and Lillian Velasquez in Del Norte Colorado. Graduated from Del Norte high school in 1969. He joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. He was also a medic in the Army National Guard and member of the color guard and expert marksman. He served as the chairman of Migrant Council, taught Catechism, he had a good work ethic, often working 2 jobs, he worked at the following places: retail, managed Loaf ‘N Jug. He was the Landfill Supervisor/heavy equipment operator for Rio Grande County, logger, moonlighted selling life and health insurance where he earned awards as Rookie of the year and Tapper of the year, Douglas Studs Lumber Mill, Summitville mine, Interstate Electric, Adams State College, and his last job was with Xcel Energy. Anthony and his wife Judi owned a restaurant (Los Dos) at several locations in Del Norte and Alamosa. His restaurant was awarded the Sergeant Major’s Award July of 1988 for outstanding service when feeding the National Guard troops during a two-week training exercise. He was an excellent cook. He was also an excellent bowler and was a member of a bowling league in his younger days. He was compassionate and kind and provided a good home for several abandoned animals. He married his wife Judi Ann Lucero (Velasquez) July 4th of 1970, they were married 54 1/2 years and had one son. Survived by: his wife Judi Velasquez of the family home and his fur babies Jolie and Pip, siblings: Joseph Velasquez (Rosalyn), Bettie Arellano, Helen Medina (Fred), Dorothy Rivera, Priscilla/Shaba Martinez (Lorenzo), Vera Sisneros, brother-in-law/loved like a son-Joey Lucero (Sharon), sister-in-law Janet Lucero, sister-in-law Joann Padilla (Leroy), Nephews and nieces: Robert Herrera (Lali), Lisa Marez (Tony), Christopher Velasquez (Eleanor), Arthur Velasquez (Mandi), Melissa Archer (Larry), Mike Velasquez (Melodee), Damian Arellano (Irene), Dominic Arellano (April), Cheryl Vigil, Frederick Medina (Brenda), Kevin Medina (Julie), Dino Rivera, Ladawn Gygi (Chris), Nicole Martin (David), Derrick Martinez (Patty), Daniel Martinez (Judy), Steven Sisneros (Jackie), Toni Jo Martinez (Adam), God-son Joel Velasquez, Jodi Velasquez, God-daughter Amanda Velasquez, Vanessa Brinez (Luis), Joseph Cory Lucero, Laura Lucero, Katie Lucero (Randy), Christopher Lucero, Josh Lucero, God-daughter Cecilia/Sissy Smith, Sam Medina (Sue), Cheryl Ozuna (Kyle), John Scott Padilla, Lela Padilla. Many wonderful great and great-great nieces and nephews and God-children who are loved beyond measure. Preceded in death by: His son John Velasquez, father Arthur Velasquez, mother Lillian Velasquez, siblings: Marjorie Gillispie, Robert Velasquez, sister-in-law Cora Velasquez, father-in-law John Lucero, mother-in-law Lillian (Lena) Cisneros, brother John (Jake) Lucero, niece Roberta Brannon, great niece Samantha Arellano, nephew Russ Herrera, God daughter/great niece Anissa Rivera, sister-in-law Josie-Ann Lucero, brothers-in-law: Gilbert Arellano, Tony Sisneros, Claude Rivera, Bob Herrera, Jessie James Lucero, Sam Medina, God daughter Lissa Carroll McGregor, God son Robert J Medina, best friends: Andrew DeHerrera, Eddie Lee Espinoza, Toby Archuleta, Brandon Tuoti, numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Circle of friends that surrounded Anthony with love and support during his challenging illness: (Friends/adopted children-Nathaniel Rael wife Ezzie, God-daughter Anahi), (Friend/brother from another mother-Andrew DeHerrera wife Brenda and their daughters: Andrea (made Anthony’s final day more comfortable, she’s an amazing nurse and human-being), Bethany, Audrey, Brittany and their spouses and children), Aron Chavez, Philip Johnston wife Caricia and their children, Dwight Smith wife Miriam, Donald Cantu wife Clara, Sylvia Lobato, Ken Suazo, Paul Gomez-Da Vita wife Amelia, Louisa Sierra-Da Vita. He was a character with a big personality, full of mischief and joy. Illness sapped the joy out of him and left him spent. Conventional is not a word that can be used to describe him. In the words of the late-great Frank Sinatra, Anthony did it his way. He chose to stop dialysis because he had no quality of life anymore. He loved people and was happiest when he was making people laugh or feeding them. A few hours before he passed away he told Judi; “Tell everybody there’s coffee and cocoa in the kitchen.” He was all about thinking of others before thinking about his own needs. Anthony’s home has been overflowing with family and friends since the day of his passing. He worried about leaving Judi alone, but she is not alone, family, friends, and her work family are a constant. He will be sorely missed. The only thing he packed on his final journey is the love and good memories that he experienced with his amazing-loving family and friends. He lives on in our memories. Your love, support and generosity are recognized and appreciated. Know that you are loved and cherished and that Anthony took a little piece of each of you with him to heaven. Services will be held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte: Recitation of the Rosary 7:00, June 27th, Funeral 10:00 June 28th. Burial to follow at the Del Norte Cemetery, following burial is the Celebration of life at DNCA Hall (next to Catholic Church in Del Norte) Cremation by Romero Funeral Home in Alamosa, Colorado.

Anthony R. Velasquez

June 17, 1950 - April 26, 2025