RAYMOND VELASQUEZ

Raymond John Velasquez Passed away peacefully at the age of 62 on March 23, 2012. He is survived by his wife Aurora of 17 years, son John, daughters Viva Chavez, Angel and Catina. He leaves behind his loving sisters Maria Velasquez, Victoria Huerta and his brothers Ernest, Joe, Tony, Peter and Diego. He had 11 grand children and 1 great-grand child. He had many nieces, nephews and great-great nephews that adored their 'Tio' Ray. Ray was a native San Franciscan born and raised in the Mission near the old San Francisco breweries. Later on he grew up in the Bayshore district near the Cow Palace where he attended Bayshore School and then Jefferson High in Daly City. After graduation he joined the Job Core where he learned how to weld. Ray was a member of ILWU Local 6 his former jobs include carpenter, welder, Counselor at Walden House, case management worker at Arriba Juntos in the Mission and he was a speaker at many AA and NA meetings. Ray ran in the Bay to Breakers, boxed and competed in Kickboxing when he was young. He was also an artist that loved painting, drawing, playing guitar and Dominos. He was known for his many tattoos and artistic ability to tat anyone that asked. He was also an avid SF 49'er fan enjoyed living in the Mission Dolores area attending Carnival and visiting his SF buddies. He was a kind and compassionate man and he will be sorely missed by all. A memorial service will be held on April 19th at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Visitation 655 Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94134.