Juan (John) A. Velez

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Juan (John) A. Velez on October 5, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rosa, who passed on October 12, 2023, after 70 years of marriage. 

He is survived by his daughter Barbara and her husband Michael, and Michael's sister Helen, his son John and his partner Lesley, his son Stanley, and his three grandchildren, David, Charlieann, and Lindsay.  

He is also survived by his brother Frank and his wife Edie, his niece Gina, his great-niece Jennifer and her husband Eddie, his great-great-niece Maddie, his great-nephew Frankie Jr., and his wife Danielle, and his great-niece Jacqueline. 

In addition, Juan is survived by many nieces and nephews on his late wife's side. They include Cookie, Rubie, David J., Linda, Elsie, Vilma, Eddie, David Q., Iris, Peggy, Robert, Melissa and Gary.

Dad was a long-time resident of Chester and made many friends over the past 13 years. He was a devout Catholic and regularly attended Mass until he got much older, at which time he stated he needed to sleep late on Sundays. He said God would understand.

There was never a bigger Yankee fan than Dad, and he was able to attend many games at Yankee Stadium during his lifetime. He fortunately saw them clinch their division title this year and was looking forward to the playoffs.

You could often find Dad lounging in his favorite chair, listening to classical music, and thoroughly enjoying watching his favorite movie classics. During the week, he played Bingo and poker at the Chester Golden Age Club. He famously became known as "48" because he shouted out this number every time it was called during Bingo. He soon had the whole club following suit. He was fun-loving, always had a smile on his face, and shared his exuberance with everyone he met.

John was a veteran of the Korean War and was highly patriotic. He was a member of the Air Force's Air Police Squadron and felt honored and proud to serve his country. He also never missed an opportunity to exercise his right to vote and would always be the first online at the polls on Election Day.

John had his fair share of health issues and weathered many a storm. He was a tough 93-year-old and fought his last battle courageously. His family and friends will greatly miss him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Juan's Parish of St. Columba R.C. Church on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM, 27 High Street, Chester, NY 10918.

Entombment with burial honor will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery at 1:00 PM, 4199 Webster Avenue, Bronx, New York 10470 (718) 920-0500.

The family will be using Greenery Plus flowers for their arrangements. To coordinate flowers and avoid duplications, please get in touch with them at https://www.greeneryplusflorist.com/.
(845) 782-8246 

The family would like to thank the staff at Valley View Health Care Center for the care, love, and support given to John during his stay there and to Mari, John's and his wife's healthcare provider; we wish to thank you for your support and unconditional love shown to both our parents.

The family has entrusted Brendan and Thomas Flynn, along with Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Center staff, to care for Juan and his funeral services.