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BORN
1950
DIED
2021
John Velekkakan Obituary
John B Velekkakan (January 26, 1950 - February 12, 2021) journeyed back home to God, a divine spark, from where he'd come. He has joined his mother and father, Mary and Alexander, his brothers James, Josie, George, and Rocky, and his sisters, Rita, Stella, and Lila. John is survived by his wife and best friend of 39 years, Kathy, his children John (Jill), Mary Grace (Dan) and his grandchildren Anna, Brooke, Liam and James Birley. He is also survived by his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Jose, mother-in-law Eileen Beikirch, Kathy's brothers and sisters and their spouses, as well as many nieces and nephews at home and abroad. John's greatest joy was being a husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with all his family at the lake.
John was born in Kerala, India and moved to the U.S. when he was 19 years old. He graduated from Niagara University and St. Bernard's Seminary with a Master's degree in Divinity. John was known for his positive attitude and supported his friends and business contacts who were very important to him. He was a guy who really loved making connections.
Together, John and Kathy, loved to travel. They had many wonderful trips home to India and all over the world. One special trip to Africa resulted in a lifetime commitment of support to The Medical Missionaries of Mary.
John was the owner of Monroe Oxygen and Medical Equipment. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was an active member of the Rochester Rotary Club. John will be deeply missed.
No prior calling hours. John's funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 18th at 10:00 am, St. Ann Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. Due to Covid, masks are required. In lieu of flowers, a donation in John's name may be made to Medical Missionaries of Mary, 4425 W. 63rd St, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60629-5565.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Velekkakan
Carmen Salome
September 6, 2024
Kathy I yhought if you this morning and googled you yo see what you have been up to. I am very sorry to read of John passing. I pray that you and the children are well. May God comfort you. Carmen (I was the ultrasound secretary several years ago)
Kim May
February 20, 2021
Kathy, my deepest sympathy to you and the family on John’s passing. He always had a smile that could brighten up a room. He will be missed.
Nelson Mathias
February 18, 2021
Dear Kathy,
John and I knew each other a long time ago. We had quite a few lunches together too. Sorry to hear about John’s passing. Praying for you and your family in this time of grief. May his memory give you comfort. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Pam and Nelson Mathias
Fairport, NY
PETER OKOYE
February 18, 2021
Dear kathy, little John, Mary Grace & the rest of the family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you regarding our beloved John Sr. John lived an exemplary and Christian life worthy of emulation. He was a peaceful, family-oriented and loving gentleman who cared dearly about others.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.
Take Heart!
Peter/Elizabeth/Chinedu Okoye.
Cheryl Robinson
February 17, 2021
Dear Kathy,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear John. John was a kind and gentle soul, and his memory will always be a blessing. Conversations were never boring. He was charming, intelligent, and always made everyone feel welcome. We will always feel grateful for knowing him.
Cheryl and Gary Robinson
Valerie Logan
February 15, 2021
Deepest condolences to you Kath, Mary Grace, little John and John's whole extended family and friends. Thank you, God, for sharing John with us- an example, a light and a joy to be with always. Love, Val & Brian. xxoo
John and Azalea Noronha
February 14, 2021
John was a very positive and helpful; and a great humanitarian. Even when was very ill, he was so inspiring ; always eager to resolve social and economic justice issues.
George Dall
February 14, 2021
Our condolences to Kathy and the kids. And grandkids. John was truly an inspiration to those who crossed his life. While we always said “we’ll get together soon” and missed, I will bring his memory forward and think a an appropriate send off tune - “On the road again” - I can still see him leading a group of friends, coworkers and business owners to this day. RIP with love from our family to yours
Sue Comerford
February 14, 2021
John was a "divine spark". In the In Gnosticism and other Western mystical traditions, the divine spark is the portion of God that resides within each human being. John saw that "spark" in all those he met and in particular, all those he so deeply loved. He consistently brought joy and hope to all those around him with that very unique gift of seeing the (God) the best in people. John saw the potential of everyone around him and, and encouraged all of us forward. I particularly loved his sense of humor and benefited from it mightily over the many decades of our friendship. With a heart so big, there was room for all, but there were none he loved more than his Kathy, his children John, Jill, Mary Grace, Dan and his grandchildren and extended family. Rest in peace, dear friend. You have left a piece of yourself in all of our hearts . . .
Marge Gergely
February 14, 2021
Dear Kathy and family I was so sadden to hear about John's passing. He was such a good person and friend. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you and your family at this most difficult time. RIP John
Bonnie Cottone
February 14, 2021
Kathy, “Little” John and Mary Grace,
My heart is saddened learning of John’s passing from this life...but he is definitely basking in Our Lord’s presence! I will always remember him as a kind and gentle person...always gracious to stop and say hello whenever I saw him....a lot of memories of a sweet, dear man.... please know you are All in my thoughts and prayers.....much love to you and wishes for God’s peace....Bonnie
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