Mario Antonio Abary Veloro

Mario Antonio Abary Veloro, a long-time resident of Palo Alto, CA passed away on January 28, 2025 in Los Altos, CA. He was 85 years old.
Mario was born on January 19, 1940 in Manila, Philippines and was raised in Pagsangjan, Philippines. He was the oldest of four children born to Cleofas Veloro nee Abary and Servillano Veloro.
After graduating from high school, Mario earned two Bachelor's degrees: Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and Economics from Lyceum of the Philippines University. He went on to become a professor of Architecture at his alma mater.
Mario's career then led him to Lagos, Nigeria where he worked as Project Architect for the Nigerian Government and as Head of the School of Draftsmanship. It was there that he established the first overseas chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines. In 1979, Mario moved to the United States where his architecture background aided him in various construction-related fields. He continued to be a committed member of the United Architects of the Philippines and served as President of the Northern California chapter.
It was while working as a professor that Mario met the love of his life, Susan Pandes, a fellow professor at University of Santo Tomas. The two were married in 1973 and shared more than 51 years of marriage together. They had one daughter.
Mario was an athlete who practiced Aikido and coached swimming. But he was most enthusiastic about judo. As a 2nd Dan Black Belt holder and judo instructor, he shared his knowledge with students in the South Bay Area. Mario was also known to like dancing, watching movies, dining out at restaurants and savoring quality cheeses and rich ice creams. He held a great appreciation for African art.
For 46 years Mario was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Palo Alto, devoting his time and energy to helping at mass and church functions. He also served on various church committees.
Mario is best known for his service to the Knights of Columbus. As a Knight, he held the positions of Grand Knight of the Palo Alto Council 2677, Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree, District Deputy and Chapter President. He was passionate about the mission of the Knights of Columbus and spent the rest of his years promoting their goals and values.
Mario is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Shirley (husband Craig Lynch) and siblings, Cesario Veloro, Victor Veloro and Christine Falconi. His memory will live on in the many cousins, nieces and nephews he leaves behind.