Alonzo Philip Velasquez
April 4, 1956 - March 28, 2008
Obituary
Alonzo Philip Velásquez was born on April 4, 1956 in Dangriga, Belize, Central America to P. Alonzo and Francisca Velásquez. The youngest of five children, Alonzo or ‘Baby’ as his siblings lovingly called him was an adventurous boy who loved soccer, swimming in the Caribbean, and running races with his friends.
Alonzo moved to Seattle at the age of 18 and lived with his brother Alban and his sister-in-law, Brenda. He attended North Seattle Community College and Seattle University where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
After graduation, Alonzo went to work for the federal government where he remained for over 20 years.
Alonzo met Sandra while they were college students working for King County and were married in 1986.
Alonzo and Sandra were blessed with two children; Veronica 19 years old and Patric 13 years old. Veronica and Patric were the pride and joy of Alonzo’s life and he took great pleasure in all of his fatherly responsibilities. On any given weekend, you might find Alonzo on the soccer field coaching Patric’s team, or on the basketball court coaching Veronica’s team. ‘Coach’ was tough, but mostly wanted the kids to learn and enjoy the game. He particularly liked the father-daughter dances with Veronica during her high school years.
Alonzo’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. In addition to Sandra, Veronica and Patric, Alonzo loved to be in the company of his siblings: Alban, Carmita, Angelica, Michael and their families.
Preceded in passing by his mother Francisca, father P. Alonzo, Alonzo leaves a host of family and friends to celebrate his life: wife Sandra, children Veronica and Patric, brother Alban and sister-in-law Brenda, sister Carmita, sister Angelica and brother-in-law Dave Jones, brother Michael and sister-in-law Karen, nephew Damisi and his wife Tai, niece Francisa and her husband Domynic Shaw, niece Danielle, niece Elizabeth, niece Maria, grand-nieces Jadyn and Aaliyah, dear friends Luis Liu, Owen and Derek Pascascio, Gordon Lee, Matthew Boswell, and many others.
The family is truly grateful for the love and support extended to us by the St. Therese community, friends and family from far away including New York, California, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Florida and Texas.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Therese Church in Seattle on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. Repass immediately following at the St. Therese Social Hall.
We now return to our Father in heaven a precious gift he gave us 51 years ago – our father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, colleague, Alonzo, most affectionately Baby.
My Dear Sandra “D”,
Today my heart was shattered, when a co-worker whom I met on this day told me that Alonzo had passed away. I didn’t want to believe it was the same Alonzo who was my dear friend and confidant. I remember us as best bud’s in the intern program and later as roommates when I moved to Seattle. He was my friend unconditionally and I loved him for the many conversations and how he invited me to be part of his family. I’m sorry I didn’t hear about his passing until now, may God bless you Sandra and the family, and may the tender mercies of our Savior comfort you through these times.
Love Always,
Bobby T
My condolences and deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family.
Alonzo was my best friend, my financial advisor, my shrink, my conscience. Alonzo was my brother.
He was that little man on my shoulder that said ‘are you sure you want to do that?’
Alonzo was the person I called if I was uncertain about anything and he was always there. He always knew something about everything. He was a library of information.
We spoke 5 or 6 days of every week, sometimes 7, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day for many years. We spoke of everything imaginable. Alonzo and I became friends at the age of 4 and have been close since.
He was a family man and they all meant everything to him, especially Veronica and Patrick.
I miss him, very much….
Our Condolences you and your family in your time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.
Brenda & Robert Parrish
Anita Pascascio & Family
As one of the unit’s military reservists, I had the pleasure of meeting Al over many drill weekends which would start on Friday and last through Sunday. We always had engaging conversations and often my discussions with him were the highlights of my trip! On one weekend before Father’s Day, we talked about Al’s father and how he was instrumental in his life. Al went on to discuss how those lessons inspired him in raising his own children. This was especially poignant for me since I was a new father facing many of the challenges that Al had fondly overcome. I won’t forget his encouragement and words of wisdom.
I worked with Al at the Air Force but left there in 1991. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I was friends with Al when I worked there and he was a very special man. He was funny and always helpul to me. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was an awesome man. I will pray for all of your family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Dear Sandy, Veronica & Patric,
What little time I had the opportunity to spend with Al, the impression he left was that he was funny and he was genuinely a good man.
May God, with Al now at his side, bless you and your family with His strengh and guidance.
Love,
Lester
Dear Sandy, Patric and Veronica,
Lauren shared a story with me of how Alonzo took her aside one day and talked basketball. Her face lit up when she shared the wisdom that he passed on to her. She will never forget that.It’s like how Reverand Braxton said today at Alonzo’s funeral, “It’s about how he lived…” Alonzo left a great legacy and touched so many. We are so thankful for that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue on this journey.
Julia, Lauren and Ally
Hey Veronica, Sandy, and Patric
I was really sorry to hear about Alsonso. He was a great guy I wish I could have made it down for the service. When I think of him the recurring image is of riding to and from St. Therese sport events in the little black pickup. I remember we usually fit in the cab on the way there but on the way back there was almost certainly someone who had not arranged for their own ride. Then of course there was a scuffle about who got to lie down in the bed. We were certainly the worst team in the history of CYO soccer but it as still a load of fun in our old St. Joes Jerseys. I may not have learned about the joy of victory playing for St. T’s but Coach Velasquez taught me a lot about the game and I ended up playing all the way through last year for one team or another. I don’t remember what he called it but one year he created an award for me for being the smallest player on the field and still going after the bigger guys, that was great since I didn’t really qualify for any other award. I’ll always remember him as being my first soccer coach and a great guy, thank you for sharing him with me.
Robert
To The Valasquez Families, Our condolances to you all at this most difficult time.Saying goodbye to Al will not be easy but God has called him home.
We are so glad we had the chance to visit Seattle last October. Alonzo heard we were at Alban and Brenda’s house and he and his son came over to see us.
You all are in our prayers. God Bless
Dear Sandra, Veronica, and Patric, you have my deepest condolences for the passing of Alonzo. Your family has been in my prayers since learning of this tragic loss. Al was truly one in a million and I am happy to say that he was one of my best friends. Al was both very consistent in his core beliefs and values such as fairness, family, love and caring and at the same time he could come at me when we were talking with a subject or perspective that was completely foreign to me. When this occurred which was frequent it was always with a thoughtful and interesting perspective. I will greatly miss my talks with Al but most of all I just miss my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. “Gogoâ€
Sandra, Veronica and Patric, thanks for the great memories that I have spent with each of you. I enjoy all the trips to Seattle and spending the time in your home. These memories will forever be etched in my memory. Thanks to Alonzo and everyone for the warm welcome.
To Sandy and family-
My heart and prayers go out to you for your loss. With the strength from within as a family unit and all the support from family and friends in your lives, you will survive and conqueor through this difficult time.
Dear Sandy, Veronica and Patric,
Thank you for planning such a beautiful funeral for your husband and dad. You are blessed to have had such a great man in your lives.
Please come in to visit us anytime. We guarantee to put a smile on your face.
God bless you.
All our love and hugs,
The Kindergarteners of St. Therese School
Our prayers are with you , in your time of sorrow, we love Alonzo, but God loved him more, We love you and want you to know that you are on our hearts, during this time. God bless You!
The Ramos Family
Andrew and I would like to express our deepest regards to the family and wanted to let you know you are in our hearts with lots of prayers. Be strong, cry lots, laugh and enjoy the life that you shared with Alonzo. This is a very touch road to follow you can do this with God leading your journey. With lots of love and prayers Bernetta E. & Andrew L. Branch and our children.
To Al’s Family,
My deepest condolences to you. Al was a great and wonderful guy. His big happy, smile always lit up the room wherever he was.
Angelica and family,
My heart aches for you and your family at this sad time. Life is so unfair and why such a good person is taken from us at such an young age is a question I ask myself daily. I know exactly what your sister-in-law and children are going through. I lost my husband and father of my children 4 years ago. My husband was also very involved in our children’s lives. Stay close to your brother’s family and lean on each other for support.
My condolences,
Carol Rogers
Co-worker to Angelica at King County
Sandy,
You and your family have been in our prayers.
Alonzo always had a smile on his face, and a warm heart. He touched our lives so graciously attending basketball games cheering and encouraging our team. He will always be in our hearts. My family and others have truly been blest by Alonzo.
Grace and Love to all of you!
Tony, Tracie
Christopher, Tyler and Quinn Kidd
A wonderful person who left us all too soon. My family’s thoughts and prayers to Sandy, Veronica and Patric and their extended family and many friends in this hard and challenging time. The Gunders
My name is Mary Jordan and I met Alonzo while he was in college and Worked for DCAS office in Seattle when we were located on the SandPoint Navy base. We both worked in the computer room, I remember him as the young kid with the big airfro. My prayers go out to you and your family and always know that God is with you.
Sandy, Veronica, & Patric:
We all share your loss. Alonzo was a great man & a blessing to us all. We have so many “Alonzo-isms” that he used when coaching his team- our favorites being–“yah, yah–THAT’S what I’m talking ‘Bout!” & “it’s ALL good, it’s ALL good!”–always positive…
Your family is in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Dawn & the Lum Family
Sandra and Family, I’ve been praying that you all find some peace during this sorrowful time. Please know that Tai’s family is keeping you all lifted with Postive Thoughts and Prayers. We grieve with you…
Michelle Tai’s sister
My deepest sympathy to the Velasquez family. I first met Al in 2005, and from there on out found myself wandering over to his work area at least one a day to have a few laughs and allow him to perform his lawyerly assessment of my life and antics. He always brightened up my day, and did a good job of keeping me and a fellow team member Bob Ferguson in line…which I am certain was much appreciated by all. I am no longer a member of the DCMA Seattle team, but I know that his presence is deeply missed by the entire site. God Bless.
Dr. Gerard Woodlief
To The Velasquez Family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this tragic time. I have known Al for the past 8 years and worked with him for 5 of those years. He will be greatly missed for his “jokes” and “laughter”. He cared so much for his kids and the kids that he coached. We at DCMA have lost a great friend. Good-bye Al. Peace be with you.
Dear Velasquez Family,
We send our prayers, condolences, and support to you during this difficult time. We have known your family for nearly ten years. We have shared many experiences and fun through those years. We shared fun times in baseball, track, soccer, and basketball for many years. Alonzo helped to make this the best year this class has had in both soccer and basketball. He would never raise his voice when things seemed unfair. He encouraged the boys to due their best “ALWAYS!†His support was incomparable. He had encouraging and positive words for the players, coaches, families, and anyone who had the opportunity to have a conversation with him. At the end of your conversation with Alonzo, you always felt better than you did at the beginning.
He always found a way for us to feel better when all was said and done and regardless of the outcome. He was very compassionate and believed in everyone. He always made the time to listen to your concerns and enjoyed laughing with you. He had a very special in that way.
Alonzo told me that he would always be there for me as a fellow coach and a friend; and he always was. His hilarious one-liners kept us laughing in the heat of the competition. He was diplomatic and extremely clever. He was a man who was very proud of his family. He was especially proud of Patric. He was proud to see his son develop and grow into a respectable and scholastic young man.
Alonzo will be greatly missed! But his humor, dedication, friendship, and wonderful spirit will last forever. He was a truly good friend and a great man!
Sincerely,
Coach and Friend
James Ward & Family
To the Velasquez Family:
I am very saddened to hear about your sudden and tragic loss of Al. I had the privilege of working with Al for several years when we were pricing spares. We shared lots of laughs and had many discussions on about everything. Al was a joy to work with and to be around. He deeply cared about his family and friends. May your wonderful memories always comfort your family. Al, I will miss you.
Dear Sandy, Veronica, and Patric,
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Iwai family
Alonzo will be missed. My condolences to the family he left behind.
I will miss his smile. Al’s smile always brightened my day. He was a happy, vibrant man who loved his family. My condolences to his family.
Al and I worked together for many years first at AFPRO and then DPRO and finally DCMA Boeing Seattle. I met Al when he was a new intern in QA and I was an instructor of computers and software QA at our headquarters in Albuquerque, NM. Al was very relaxed asleep I think during my 2 week class, but even then he earned one of the top grades on every test I gave. Though Al moved from Quality to Pricing we still continued to work together. Since Al was both intellegent and had a fun streak he was always a pleasure to work with. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Love & Shalom, David Winningham
My deepest condolences to Al’s family. I worked with Al for many years and counted him as one of my very good friends. I have been working at DCMA in the UK for the last four years and cannot believe he won’t be there with his stories when I return, but I know he is telling them now in a better place.
Alonzo was the kind of person that I could not pass his office without stoping and enjoying the warmth of his soul.
Dear Sandy, Veronica, Patric and the Velasquez Family,
Al touched everyone he met in such a positive manner. He always had a smile on his face and a way of making each individual feel important. That’s one of the reasons Al was such a great coach, dad, husband, brother, friend… Al was filled with the Spirit; peace, patience, joy, kindness, generosity, goodness, and of course love. Al reflected God’s love and that love will live in all of us forever. Love never dies. Thank you for sharing your husband, dad and brother with the rest of us. Live in the hope of Jesus, we will all be together again.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Valasquez family. Alonzo blessed us all with his kind spirit and warmth. Most of all, he loved and cared for his family as husband to Sandy and as an involved Dad. His life is an example for us all. He had an impact on the children he coached that will last throughout their lives. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our hearts go out to you.
Mrs. Velasquez
1421 Lakeside Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
Mrs. Velasquez,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and the passing of Al. I am so sorry.
Long ago, I first met Al when he joined the AFPRO at Boeing. I was the chief of the Pricing Branch. I convinced him to apply for a training position in our branch. Al did apply for that “professional level†position and we were always happy to have him in our group.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ron Haworth
Certified Public Accountant
Deepest sympathy to the Velasques family. Dear Sandra after Derek’s heart surgery 16yrs ago Alonzo never faltered calling Derek in L.A. almost every weekend checking up on him & encouraging him through his recovery,kindness that a brother would do. Alonzo was an angel that came to us on this earth- The Pascascio family together with Derek & I will forever miss him. May you&your family find peace&strength remembering Alonzo a good soul. We love you Alonzo – Derek & Elena Pascascio
Al knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face. He had such a great sense of humor and was always full of energy. It was really nice to work with him at DCMA. I will miss him calling me “princess”
Dear Sandi, Veronica and Patric,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your great loss. Al was such a kind and giving man. We truly appreciated the time and effort he gave to the many children he coached and befriended. The words of advice and encouragement he gave to Isaac and Jazi meant a great deal to them and to us. His friendliness and inclusivness are hallmarks of your entire family and are appreciated so much. I will keep Al and all of you in my prayers.
Love and Peace,
Dan and Margie Patsula
I am so very sorry. Please accept my condonlences. Al was a great guy. I loved working with him at the AFPRO.
Margaretta
Dear Family,
May each of you share in dear, blessed Alonzo’s deep Eternal Peace! Like Jesus, he has given you and all of us an example to live daily our love of God and all people. In union of prayer and gratefulness for his life,
Sister Rosemary Perisich, SNJM
Holy Names Aacademy
Dear family of Al,
I am so saddened to hear of Al’s passing. We worked together for over 20 years in the DCMA pricing branch. He was truly a trusted friend of mine. Al was a true spokesman who chose his words and actions carefully. I will always be thankful for his compassion during my grief over the loss of my youngest son. He was there for me. We talked a lot about family and love and responsibility.
Please be assured that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Jerry Rhoads
Dear Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your incredible loss. May God be with you all at this time. We will keep you in our prayers.
Mike, Lanie, Jaylen & Shane
Dear Angelica:
I am sad to hear of your brother’s passing. Knwing what a close-net family you are, I know it must be very hard for you and your family. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prays. May his loving memory sustain you in this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Fereshteh
My love and prayers are with you and your family at his time.
I will miss his and always loved to see his smiling face when he came to Al & Brenda home.
Dear Family
Al has been a long time friend and great inspiration to our family. I will alway remember coming back to my desk at Boeing with Al sitting on the corner of the desk with a big smile and the “Hi MRS B”. He will be missed by everyone.
Many heartfelt condolences. I am a friend of Mali’s in Northern California and have heard so much about your family. I am sorry to hear about your loss. When you are feeling low remember a favorite saying or motion of your lost one and most importantly their smile. I don’t know you but I send you really big and special hugs. Crystal
My husband Gary and I met Alonzo while he was dating Sandy. Gary, Sandy,Annette and I were attending graduate school at UW at the time. We could tell he was totally “smitten” with her. Needless to say, he endured her move to Sacramento where Sandy, Gary and I moved after graduate school to work with the State Auditor Generaland back to Seattle, after which they married. And along came Veronica and Patrick.
Alonzo loved sitting in his chair to read the mail, newspaper, and watching t.v. And he always watch t.v. with much animation. Especially when he was watching sports. And I was always amazed to watch him put ketchup on EVERYTHING that he ate.
Alonzo, we will greatly miss you.
Love,
Joni and Gary
I will miss my friend Al. Al was a great Price Analyst who I really enjoyed working with at DCMA on Boeing proposals, a truly good person to talk with, always so very proud of his family and his kids accomplishments, a devoted member of our Union. Good by my friend and God Bless!
John Andrews, Steward, AFGE Local #2723
Alonzo was a wonderful friend to many. He was wise and grounded and was the “go to” friend for me. I will miss his laughter, especially when he would double over and stomp the ground with one foot! I will miss hearing Al talk of Veronica and Patric with the special pride in his voice that he had for them. Our office is so empty without him….. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those whose life he touched.
Alonzo,
as we always said, a good coach knows the game never ends…
R.I.P.