George Velasquez

George Velasquez 

March 3, 1934 - February 15, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Velasquez, who left us on February 15, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family at his home in La Mesilla, NM. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. George was born on March 3, 1934, in Price, Utah. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Alfredo and Clarita Velasquez; brother Leroy Velasquez; great grandson Anissimo Flores; father-in-law Antonio Torres; mother-in-law Rafaelita Torres; brothers-in-law Jose Torres, Wilfred Torres, and Joe Ruybali; great niece Nichole Montero, and sister-in-law Sharon Velasquez. 

George was survived by this loving wife of 69 years, Theresa Velasquez; children Diana Velasquez, Rick (Darlene) Velasquez; grandchildren Liana Velasquez (Dominick), Amelia (Shawn) Perraglio, great grandchild Sheri Perraglio, sister Sophia Ruybali; brothers-in-law Robert (Laura) Torres and Eloy (Virginia) Torres; sister-in-law Madge Velasquez, and numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. 

George lived in Price, Utah, up to the age of 10 years old, when his father Alfredo passed after a mining accident. His mother, Clarita, returned the family to the Lopez family farm in La Mesilla. George was schooled in the Espanola Public School system and graduated from Espanola High School. During this period of his life, he met his high school sweetheart, Theresa, which led to 69 years of marriage. After high school George joined the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. After five years of service, he was honorably discharged in 1962. George married Theresa in 1955 in Santa Fe and began working at Farmway Feed for a few years, after which he began working at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory as a mechanical/electrical technician for 34 years, retiring in 1993.  

George was a lifelong Catholic member and lector at the Santa Cruz de La Canada Church. He also served in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and was a Mayordomo for the San Isidro Chapel in La Mesilla. George also was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he served a term as Grand Knight. He also served as a Commissioner and Mayordomo for the La Mesilla Community Ditch. George was very proficient at farming his land since he learned the trade at an early age on the family farm. He was a very hard-working man as evidenced by his beautiful home that he built and the crops he planted. He was a model to the community as evidenced by his willingness to help new farmers and gardeners. He was always willing to give advice. He was also very artistic as evidenced by his artwork and woodworking skills. He loved outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, cross country and downhill skiing, and camping with family and friends. That’s not all, he loved music and could strum a guitar with the best of them. 

The family would like to thank his caregiver, Kandice Baca of Givings and his neighbors and friends for the visits and comforting words. 

A Rosary will be held at 10:30am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, on Friday February 28, 2025. With a Mass to follow at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Santa Cruz Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are; Kenny Salazar, Rich Ronquillo, Danny Holder, Tommy Holder, Mike Herrera, Bobby Lopez, Lino Salazar, Rick Lopez, and Charles Salazar. 

The Family of George Velasquez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory 505-747-7477