Jose Velasquez 79, passed away peacefully at his Pueblo West home on December 5th, 2024. Jose battled a long illness with courage and grace. He was born on April 8th 1945, to Palmira and Gene Velasquez in Trinidad, Colorado. Jose was a loved husband and father. He married the love of his life Louise in 1962. Jose is survived by his wife Louise, his children Tina Velasquez, Florence (Dave) Lucero, Joe Velasquez, Ray (Estella)Velasquez, Amanda (Gary Rivas). Eleven grandchildren Stephany (Gabe) Silvas, Michael (Katrina) Velasquez, Danny Bueno, Brittany (Sean) Stanton, Kirsten Velasquez, Emery Velasquez, Emma Velasquez, Ella Velasquez, Alyssa Rivas, Gavin Rivas and self-appointed grandchild Lainy Excobar, Great grandchildren, Abby Gutierrez, Carlos Silvas and Zander Silvas and Logan Gates. He is also survived by sisters, Irene Reeves, Shirley Castillo, Betty (John) Lucero, Louise (Jim) Grosso, Linda (Rodney)Velasquez, Pam (Paul) Cordova, brothers Paul (Charlene) Velasquez, Chuck (Gloria) Velasquez.
Jose was a huge Broncos fan, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing baseball and spending time with his family was his favorite thing of all. Listening to music, dancing and celebrating life with family and friends was important to him.
He volunteered for 11 years on the Policy Council for HeadStart, serving as the chairman for the State of Colorado and Wyoming as a national member. He also served as a member of the Trinidad Police Reserve, serving as Lieutenant and Treasurer. Jose spent many years volunteering as a Committeeman for the Democratic party as well.
Jose earned his GED, and earned a degree of certificate in welding, he later received an A.A.S in Occupational Safety (OSHA). He was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Society.
As a young man, Jose started work as an employee of Las Animas County until he was able to do his dream job. He spent 13 years as a fireman for the City of Trinidad, leaving there only with the promise of making more money and being able to better provide for his family, He then went to the Allen Mine until he had to leave due to a workforce reduction. He then took on a position with Las Animas County until he retired. During that time he served as county foreman for various districts. He worked on the Road and Bridge and as a foreman at the Rehab Center. During his career he met many people he continued to have as friends to this very day, Andy Castillo while working on the county and his band of brothers from the fire department – Tom Sakariason, Jim Casias, Jim Montoya, Jim Bulson, Steve Ortega and Sam Gonzales.
Upon retirement, he moved to Pueblo West. Where he spent time with family, going to Cripple Creek, watching his Broncos and enjoying some travel. His love for music and family continued as birthdays, anniversaries and any other reason to have family around was a possibility. Jose was a man loved and respected by many. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever was in need. He was larger than life to his family and those who knew him. He took great joy in making his family laugh, he believed in hard work, owning your responsibilities, taking care of people when you can, and he completely and utterly adored his wife, Louise. He wore many hats for his family and friends. He welcomed anyone into our family that wanted to be a part of it. He was a great big brother to his siblings. His sisters often competed with one another to see who could get the best pictures when they came to visit him. He loved all of them and his brothers dearly.
Jose was preceded in death by his Father Gene Velasquez, mother Palmira Velasquez, infants Virgina and Eugene and brother Dave Velasquez along with numerous in-laws. Active pallbearers include Gene, Ray, Michael and Paul Velasquez, Danny Bueno, Dave Lucero, Gabe Silvas, and Gavin Rivas. Honorary pallbearers include Jim Casias, Jim Montoya, Steve Ortega, Jim Bulson, Ted Sakariason, George Velasquez, John Lucero.
A viewing will take place at Comi Funeral Home from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday December 10th.
The funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church starting with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m. and a full mass taking place after on Wednesday December 11th. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Cards, flowers, etc. can be sent to 1149 E Desert Cove Drive, Pueblo West, CO 81007
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