Jose Del Carmen Velazquez
AUGUST 11, 1937 ' FEBRUARY 2, 2019 (AGE 81)
OBITUARYSERVICE DETAILSTRIBUTE WALLFLOWERS & GIFTS
Jose Del Carmen Velazquez
Jose passed away while praying with his brother Raphael at 2:30pm on February 2, 2019, at the age of 81. There was great rejoicing and reunion in Heaven! Jose was born on August 11, 1937 in New Orleans to Jose Maria and Antonia Paltron Velazquez. Jose was a comfort for his mom and dad when they were alive. He was devoted to them. He enjoyed traveling with his father, brothers and wife on trips to Venezuela.
He was a devoted friend, brother, husband, step-father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was always ready to encourage and assist his family and friends. He was the source of motivation and love for his deceased wife Eloiza (47 years) and her children. In turn, Jose knew that he was loved and prayed for during his life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his four surviving step-children: Saundra Moore, Dennis Moore, La Tonya Wheeler, and Brenda Morris; 22 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren; and, a host of nieces, nephews, and many devoted friends especially Debbie and Marvin Cox and his special friend, Kolleen Assad. Jose was the brother of Thomas (Linda), and Raphael (Grace, deceased); and, the late Jose Maria, Lawrence (Loria), Philip and Anna. Jose was very close to his family and to his friends. Jose was a man who didn’t have a mean bone in his body, a warm friendly man who made his mark in the world by the basic goodness and generosity of his character, by the quality of his involvement with his fellow man, and how he brought out these qualities in others. As a child and young boy, Jose and his brothers served daily Mass at the Convent of the Sisters of The Holy Family in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He graduated with honors from Holy Redeemer elementary school and St. Augustine High School. After high school, Jose joined the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam. After military service, Jose began work for the State of Illinois at the employment office in Danville. He quickly demonstrated his knowledge, expertise, and ability to build relationships. He became the Danville manager and served as a mentor to numerous young men and women. Jose was instrumental in finding them employment and guiding many new employees on a path to upward mobility. Jose showed an outgoing personality and was comfortable with people from all walks of life. He was a good friend to so many! He could be counted on and depended on always. Whether you needed simple advice, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on; companionable silence, a listener if you will; if all you wanted was to pass the time - he was your man; ready, steadfast, willing and good fun. He was a “Super†member and volunteer with the VFW Post #728 (Vietnam Veteran), Honor Guard, Salvation Army Board, American Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, Food Bank, Kiwanis, Lead Usher and Eucharist Minister at St. Paul Catholic Church, and as an Alderman for the City of Danville. Those who knew him, who loved him, who got angry with him when he was a voice for the voiceless, will miss this man. We’ll miss the brother, that boy and man who tested his limits. We’ll miss the father figure who’s gone, but we know he would want us to remember him as he lived, on the fearless edge of what was possible. He left this world a better place than when he found it, and for that his family and friends are very proud. He ran the race and finished well! Jose, your life was a blessing and your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. May our Lord and Almighty God bless him and welcome him home. This we pray in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Wake Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 Vermilion St., on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 3pm with visitation from 3:30 to 6:00pm. Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 1303 Walnut St. Danville at 9:30am Saturday February 9, 2019. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jose’s name to St. Paul Catholic Church, Danville VFW Post # 728, or Knights of Columbus. He will be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery. Please join Jose’s family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
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