Alfredo Vélez Jr. was wrapped in our Lord’s arms on September 1, 2022, at the age of 97, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria Lourdes Vélez in 2016. Alfredo lived a beautiful life serving our Lord and caring for his family.
Alfredo was born in San Angelo, Texas May 1, 1925, to Alfredo Vélez Espinosa and Ezra Pérez Reina of Saltillo, México, the first born of nine siblings. His father was a tailor and minister. After living a short time in San Angelo, the family, including his siblings, Gamaliel, Elizabet and David, lived in California and Tijuana, México, where his mother, Elizabet and David died. Alfredo Sr. then married Candelaria Gomez and the family moved to Saltillo, México, where Alfredo Jr. spent his formative and early school years. In 1938 his family moved to Reynosa, Tamaulipas. There, Alfredo Sr. opened a retail business as well as continuing his ministry for the Presbyterian church. During World War II, the retail, and tailoring business catered to companies making uniforms for the American Armed Forces. During his time in Saltillo and Reynosa, his parents welcomed six siblings to the Vélez family: Olga, Sergio, Hilda, Sixto, Ruben and Martha.
In 1955 he married Maria Lourdes Pequeño in Reynosa, México and moved to the United States. They lived in Chicago briefly before relocating permanently to San Angelo in 1960, where much of the extended Vélez family had settled after the great Mexican migration during the Mexican Revolution in the late 1910.’s.
Alfredo Vélez Jr. was known not only as a professional tailor, but for his work in the San Angelo community, including member and past president of the Southside Lions Club, president of the Fort Concho PTA, and the board of the Boys Club of America. He was very proud of hosting a Spanish-speaking TV show, “Telecita” with his good friend Mario Martinez and was a Sunday morning DJ for KSJT for a period in the 1970’s. He also enjoyed his role as MC for the “Dies y Seis de Septiembre,” performing the traditional “Grito!”
Alfredo touched many lives in the community by serving others less fortunate. He offered his wisdom and experience to many deserving citizens who sought his counsel in varying walks of life. Alfredo will long be remembered for his honesty, integrity, and willingness to offer aid to anyone who asked for his help. Alfredo Vélez Jr. will be missed but never forgotten.
Alfredo is survived by three siblings including, Martha Staehling, Hilda Galloso, and Sixto Velez; his two daughters, Elizabeth Hernandez, Ruth Hunt and husband Dean; his sons Arturo Gamaliel Vélez, Manuel Vélez, spouse Gina and Alfredo Vélez III and spouse Heidi; seven grandchildren: Alexandra and Andrea Vélez; Nicholas and Rachael Vélez; Tailor and Cameron Hunt, and James Hernandez. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Jayden, Julien, and Jorden Hernandez as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 9 from 5:00 to 7:00pm, and the service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 10am., both will be at Harper’s Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at
www.harper-funeralhome.com.
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