Jose Francisco Velez, 74, born in Puerto Rico on March 20, 1935, passed away January 2, 2010. Jose served in the United States Air Force in both Korea and Vietnam and retired in 1974 from active duty. Velez was proud of his service to his country and continued to serve others long after his retirement. Velez is survived by his beloved wife, Rosa Velez; his son, Robert Velez; his daughter, Mildred Rosales; his loving mother, Maria Aldarondo; stepsons and stepdaughters, many grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
A private ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 in the chapel of Unity Funeral Home with interment immediately following at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston. 
Dear Dad,
We buried your mother today! Please watch over her and watch over us. Grandma (Maria Aldarondo) could not take the pain anymore of not being with you and uncle Gilbert. I hope you and Grandma are celebrating in heaven the joy of being together again. We miss you so much and have asked Grandma to tell you that we are doing well and will meet again soon...
Milly, your dad was a joy to be around. I know where you get your sillyness from and I am glad to have known him and to continue to have you in my life. He provided so much for you and your siblings. Y'all got to see the world and to go on trips of a life-time at a young age, thanks to him and the service that he provided for our country. My God bless you and your family and may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories.
To my Father,I still remember your favorite saying when people asked you about Retirement and death.You used to repeat a phrase made popular by General Douglas MacArthur on his retirement speach to West Point Cadets. He said {Old soidiers never die they just simply fade away}So i would like to dedicate my version to You.{Old soldiers never die the just simply fade away Honered by Country and Forever Remembered by Family and Freinds}.I hope you like this Dedication. p.s.:Don't forget to tell Mom how much I Love and Miss Her Too.
There is nothing that can prepare you for the passing of a loved one and yet knowing that my brother, Pepe was a good man and lived a full life gives me comfort. He was funny and always had some crazy joke to tell his brothers and sisters when we were young and even as adults. You can guaratee that when you saw him he had to show off his chicken legs, he would say, "look at these beautiful hairy legs" and would parade around holding up his pant leg so everyone could see. He made us laugh and would always come and see us when he was in NYC.
I will miss you my brother and will always keep you in my heart and knowing that Papi was there welcoming you with open arms gives my heart comfort and solace as it should your children and grandchildren.
I initially met Jose at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany where he and I established the first Latin American Social club. The idea quickly spread throughout the European Theater where many other similar clubs have been established - "A Home Club Away From Home Club." Jose was a go getter who did not allow grass to grow under his feet. His motto was very simple and easy to understand, "Lead, Follow or Get the hell out of the way because I am coming through to fulfill our goals."
Jose was highly admired, respected and loved by friends and foes alike--you knew where you stood with him. I personally accepted him as my older brother and advisor. My wife and I will keep him in our prayers. We have lost a good brother, but God had another mission for Jose. He is most likely organizing a "Latin American Club" in heaven. Please accept my most sincere and painful condolences for our loss.
Hey brother
Just wanted to say that i miss u--Should of taken you up on coming down for a visit.
You were like a father to me--
You werent my half brother but my brother in my heart.
Well i will try to be a good Uncle and a even better great uncle.
Your kids are great and all yur grandkids also..
You were loved and will be missed from houston to New York and afar
Be at peace
Hope you found grandma and are having a great time in paradise. Don't hesitate to look down once and a while and check up on us :)
My grandfather is in heaven living in peace in the arms of an Angel.
I never had the privelidge of meeting your father, Millie, but I can tell by the way you turned out that he was a good man. He was blessed to have wonderful children and Grandchildren who loved him as much as you did. His legend will live on through you and your family. My heart goes out to your entire family for this loss.
I will miss you pop! I will miss you nagging me to save money, nagging me to get married and nagging me that my kids need to be more independent. I am honored to be your first born and to have such a distinguished father.
I am so proud of you pop for all that you accomplished in life while you served the United States of America in the Air Force for 20 years and after retirement for being the voice of your surrounding communities. Love always....until we meet again.
p.s. I will continue telling your jokes on your behalf!
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