Peter E. - age 47 - Chimayo Velarde III

Peter E. Velarde III, 47, a resident of Chimayo, suffered a stroke and heart failure, on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Peter was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Eddie and Flora Rodriguez, paternal grandparents, Pete C. Velarde and Manuelita Q. Velarde; uncle Benjie Velarde, uncle Michael Medina; cousins, Bonnie Martinez, Cameron Gurule, Robert Rodriguez and Aaliyah Marie Medina. Peter was a very loving, husband, son, father, brother, father-in-law, and grandfather, family was very important to him. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his parents. Peter was a proud veteran of the Marine Corp. He was the type of person who was extremely passionate, especially to those less fortunate. He made friends everywhere he went. His greatest passion was the outdoors, fishing, camping, and enjoyed barbequing with his family. Peter was generous in many ways. He will be missed so much, may he rest in peace. Peter is survived by his wife of 22 years, Carmella Velarde of Chimayo; parents, Peter Velarde Jr., and wife Martha of La Mesilla; sister, Melissa Velarde and husband Gary of Cuarteles; sons, Peter Velarde IV and wife Crucita of Albuquerque, Fabian Velarde of Rio Chama, and Jacob Velarde of Espanola, daughter, Unity Cepeda and husband Ivan of Alcalde, son, Joshua Velarde of Chimayo; mother of his children, Diane Gallegos and husband Jackie of Rio Chama; in-laws, Priscilla Romero and Herbert and Annette Romero; sister-in-law, Laura Romero; special nieces and nephews, Aspen Garcia (God-Daughter), Bria Espinoza of Fairview, Desiree Martinez and Andy Cordova who was like a son to him; 3grandchildren, Peter Santiago Velarde of El Llano, Estevan Velarde of Albuquerque, Jacob Velarde, Jr. of Española; god-daughters, Monique Cordova of Truchas, and Jovanna Martinez of Hernandez; and special friend like a brother, Tommy Martinez of Santo Nino; and numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a wake service to begin at 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Burial to follow at the Potrero Cemetery in Chimayo with the following servicing as pallbearers, Tommy Martinez, Sammy Cordova, Mark Vigil, Sidney Quintana, Fabian Velarde, Ivan Cepeda, Dale Garcia, and Luis Rascon. Honorary pallbearers named are, Andy Cordova, Gary Garcia, John John Herrera, Gary Duran and Daniel Espinoza. The family of Peter Velarde has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. \r\n

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