Gabriel “Bielo” Velasquez Orozco passed away at his home surrounded by his family in Watsonville on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from a 17-year battle with cancer. He was 67.
Gabriel grew up in Mexico and had lived in this area for the past 40 years. He started working from the age of eight when he began gathering firewood for his family in Mexico. He worked for Monterey Mushrooms for 35 years as a forklift driver. He was a reliable hardworking man who loved to provide for his family.
Gabriel was happiest when he spent time with his family. He loved to take the whole family out for breakfast or dinner, talk about the family history and tell his childhood stories, and dancing and singing at family gatherings. He was the life of the party. Gabriel was a wonderful father; firm when he needed to be but very loving.
Gabriel had many hobbies and activities he enjoyed. He enjoyed a good BBQ, listening to music, singing, playing Dominos and watching UFC. He also enjoyed taking rides in his 1979 Chevy Stepside truck and hanging out with his compadres and camaradas. His favorite foods were coke and peanuts, french fries with lemon, pozole and tacos al pastor. He also enjoyed traveling to Colima to visit his family. Gabriel tried to make the best of every moment of life.
Gabriel had a generous heart. He would often take his grandchildren and the children from his wife’s daycare to the store and buy them all treats. He was known as “Papito”. His spirit and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Gabriel is survived by his sons, Gabriel Velasquez Jr, Nolberto Velasquez and Alvaro Santos; daughters, Veronica Velasquez and Sonia Velasquez; granddaughters, Claudia Velasquez, Adilene Velasquez, Ivanna Velasquez, Destiny Santos, Mollie Velasquez, Gisselle Santos and Myah Velasquez; grandsons, Gabriel Velasquez III, Dominic Velasquez, Daniel Velasquez, Aaron Diaz, Cairo Truth, Hubaldo Rodiguez, Carlos Contreras and Christian Vega; great-granddaughter, Jaylin Contreras; siblings, Ramiro Velasquez, Socorro Velasquez, Leticia Velasquez, Leonorilda Velasquez, Concuelo Velasquez and Maria Magana. Also survived by many nieces and nephews who love him very much. He was preceded in death by his soul mate and wife of 50 years, Guadalupe Hernandez Velasquez, they were always together until her passing on September 1, 2017.
Visitation will be held at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 3-9 pm with the funeral service to begin at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1 pm with burial to follow at Valley Public Cemetery.
