Ruben J. Velasquez

Ruben Jose (“Chief”) Velasquez Sr., 94, of Pueblo, Co has terminated his DASH here on earth and now has transitioned to be with the Lord on March 16, 2016. Born on May 23, 1921, in San Acacio, Colo. to the union of Leonides and Sara Velasquez, both preceded in death along with stepmother, Luz Velasquez; his wife Eduvigen “Duvie” Velasquez the love of his life; sisters: Candelaria Manzanares and Casimira Sanchez; brothers: Tom and Clovis Velasquez; son-in-law: Juan Madrid; great-grandchildren: Andrew Jr. and Gunnar Cordova. Left to cherish Ruben’s memory are his children: Priscilla (Ernie) Hernandez, Elaine Madrid, both of Pueblo, Marsha (Joseph) Montoya, Colorado Springs, Victor (Antonia) Velasquez, Ruben (Terry) Velasquez Jr., both of Pueblo, Steve Velasquez and Mary Liz Velasquez, both of Albuquerque; brothers: John (Rose) Velasquez, Pueblo, Joe (Ruth) Velasquez, Colorado Springs, Archie Velasquez, Pueblo, and Stanley (Dolores) Velasquez, Los Angeles, Calif.; sister: Viola Lucero, Limon Co.; 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Ruben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great- grandfather. He unconditionally loved his family dearly, he prayed the Rosary daily, liked to play cards, enjoyed walking, and volunteered at St. Anne Parish bingo for years. Ruben, a very special man who courageously served his country as a U.S. Army Medic 1942-46, in the South Pacific Theatres of War; Finschafen, New Guinea during WWII, as he alluded to as “El Gran Paro”-“The Big Stop”. He enjoyed reminiscing about his military experiences. God Bless him, it took courage to be a medical soldier and give “service above self”. Ruben is a hero; he will always be one to us and remembered fondly by his family and friends. He was a man of great faith, participated in his church alongside his wife. May their souls live on through all of us. He was a member of the St. Anne men’s Cursillo Group Reunion and The National Association of the Holy Name Society. He retired after 30 years’ service from the Pueblo Army Depot. Ruben’s family expresses its sincere thanks to Dr. Alfredo Vargas and the staff at University Park Care Center for their wonderful care and support they gave their father and family.

Ruben J. Velasquez

May 23, 1921 - March 16, 2016