Anthony Velez, Sr.

Anthony Velez, Sr. (Jose Antonio Velez Berrios or Josian), age 71, of New York, NY passed on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Beth Israel Hospital due to long-term illness and complications of pneumonia. Born February 8, 1939 in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico to Maria B. Berrios and Efrain Velez (both deceased), eldest brother to Maria Velez Berrios Bermudez, Blanca Velez Berrios Hernandez, Efrain Velez, Jr. (deceased) and Jesus (Joey) Velez Berrios. Married to Carmen Noelia Maldonado in New York City on March 21, 1958. Catholic Youth Leader in Puerto Rico, he came to New York in 1955 and settled in the Lower East Side with his family. Devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his 6 children, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Resided in Chelsea for over 42 years. A jack-of-all trades, at various times in his life he worked as a welder, tractor trailer driver, professional mover, chauffeur and taxi driver. Generously donated to the homeless at the Bowery Mission and many other places. Suffered a stroke in summer of 1974 at the tender age of 35 years old that rendered him disabled and under home care for over 36 years. Survived by Wife: Carmen Velez, NYC, Children: Anthony Velez, Jr. and his spouse Barbara Vanore Velez, Philadelphia, PA, Joseph Velez, NYC, Debra Velez Ramirez and her spouse Edmund Ramirez, NYC, John Velez, NYC, Jacqueline Velez, NYC, Erick Velez and his spouse, Sandra Pedrosa Velez, NYC. Grandchildren: Victoria L. Ramirez, Gabrielle K. Ramirez and Jordan N. Lujan Step-grandchildren: Jessica Irizarry and Erica Pedrosa, all in NYC. Great-grandson: Ladainain E.T. Jusino, nephews & nieces (too many to name here), cousins (the same), in-laws, Francisco Maldonado and Juana Maldonado Rivera (both deceased). Pets: Pepe (many years ago in dog heaven) and his many pets.