Photo courtesy of McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton
Clinton, Massachusetts
Dec 16, 1994 – May 8, 2016
LANCASTER
Joel William Velez, 21, of Lancaster, son of Patricia Holman and William Velez, died Sunday, May 8, 2016.
Joel was born in Waltham on December 16, 1994. He attended elementary and middle school in Lancaster and was a graduate of Nashoba Regional H.S., Class of 2013. He also attended Fitchburg State University.
He was employed in the Rein in a Dream therapeutic horsemanship program at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School, Toys 'R Us, and Dunkin Donuts.
He is survived by his parents, Patricia of Waltham, and William of Pawtucket, RI; his devoted foster mother, Pamela Casper of Lancaster, her mother, Beverly, and sister, Gayle; his brothers, Jacob of Lynn, Joshua of Waltham, and Justin of Sterling; his half-sisters, Amanda Holman and Samantha Holman, and half-brothers, Nicholas Holman and Brian Holman. He will be fondly remembered by his former foster father, Dr. Charles P. Conroy of Sterling, and former foster sisters, Melissa C. Hartford of Wayland, and Janet Conroy Quirk of New York City.
Calling hours at McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton, on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., with a memorial service at the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Spectrum Health Systems, Attn: Rosemary Marshall, 10 Mechanic St., Suite 302, Worcester, MA 01608, or Rein in a Dream at Doctor Franklin Perkins School, 971 Main St., Lancaster, MA 01523, are most appreciated.
You will never be forgotten Joel, Pam and I speak of you often
Judy Kelley
May 03, 2025 | Clinton, MA | Friend
I remember the first day I met you, you caught my attention so fast. The way you carried yourself so confidently and made my co workers and I laugh, Ill never forget your contagious smile! It was all just too soon! Always in my heart Joel
Tyler Morrison
May 03, 2019 | Clinton, MA | Friend
Time goes , but memories are forever
Rosa
May 25, 2018 | Nashville, TN | Family
He was very cheeky and could make you laugh instantly. I found out about this recently and I am stunned. We didn't keep in touch for a few years, but we got along pretty well when we were in the same room. He was confident and kind and that's what a lot of people remember him by.
School Friend
May 23, 2018 | MA | Friend
Joel i sit here today and still can't believe you are gone i still want to see that smile and hear that wonderful laugh i carried you in my body and now in my heart i hope you are at peace now and soaring with the angels i love you so much and my heart aches and is broken..... my baby boy
mom
June 06, 2016
Joel as I remember you in your mothers belly and then Michelle carrying you around every where when you were little. How special you were to her and everyone else. I am hoping she has found you in heaven.. you are both so young and are so loved. you will be so missed by all . my condolences to all of his family members that loved him so much
Marie Bonilla Batista
May 18, 2016 | Waltham, MA
So sorry. He was a sweetie.
May 12, 2016
Ill be missing you Joel
Harrison Desforges
May 12, 2016 | Southbridge
Pam
I had the privilege and honor of knowing Joel for 3 and a half months. Though Joel and I weren't the closest we both shared a love for recovery. Today was a very hard day for me with Joel on my mind. I suppose this is what they mean when they say "only the good die young" because I believe Joel would surely fit into that description. I met Joel in the young adult program and more times than not he always knew how to make the room smile with laughter. All of us are misunderstood at...
Harrison Desforges
May 12, 2016 | Southbridge, MA