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BORN
1994
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Joel Velez Obituary
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.
www.mcnallywatson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Velez
Judy Kelley
May 3, 2025
You will never be forgotten Joel, Pam and I speak of you often
Tyler Morrison
May 3, 2019
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
Rosa
May 25, 2018
Time goes , but memories are forever
School Friend
May 23, 2018
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.
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mom
June 6, 2016
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
Marie Bonilla Batista
May 18, 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
May 12, 2016
So sorry. He was a sweetie.
Harrison Desforges
May 12, 2016
Ill be missing you Joel
Harrison Desforges
May 12, 2016
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 times but Joel always went to the beat of his own drum and that's something that I have always admired about him. Joel will be missed by myself and all of the guys in the program, him and his family have and will be in my prayers. My deepest condolences and all of my love
Raven Feltus
May 12, 2016
No matter where life takes us we will always be together. You and I share a once in a lifetime love. I will never stop loving you, babe. Thank you for being my rock. You always have been, you always will be. Until we meet again.
judith kelley
May 11, 2016
Pam I can't express my condolences enough for your loss. You were the best mom anyone could ever ask for, Joel loved you very much. He will be missed. Rest in Peace buddy.
Luanne McGrath
May 11, 2016
Sincerest condolences to you Pam and all those fortunate to have known Joel. I'll truly miss that smile and warm, caring heart. May your soul rest in peace Joel. You will be missed by many. Fly high with the Angels.
Chaz Sexton
May 11, 2016
Pam,
This news came to me yesterday and just broke my heart. I do what I can to provide comfort for those who seek help so news like this is just devastating. I had to let you know how deeply saddened I am to hear of Joel's passing. He was a very special young man and one whom I am blessed to have had the pleasure and honor to have known, as I'm sure you know.
Our faith is certainly tested at times like this. I know it is difficult to understand a loss like this, but we need to be mindful of the true blessing that he was to us. That thought alone should give us the strength to continue on in faith knowing that he would want us to honor his memory in this way. Please accept my deepest sympathy, for I now only have but a memory of a courageous, funny, and tender soul to remember him by.
God Speed Joel, you are now a Prince with the angels. Until we meet again, take care of those wings, Buddy
Chaz
mom
May 11, 2016
Joel my heart is so broken i would see you and you brightened my day a piece of me died with you i carried you in my body i will have that bond with you for the rest of my life i will cherish your memory forever until we meet again fly high baby boy i love you
Joe Tobin
May 11, 2016
A pleasure to work with and to know. Sadly missed.
William Washington
May 11, 2016
I had the opportunity to know Joel, he will truely be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Estrellita Velez
May 11, 2016
I am truly sorry for your lost. May God give you peace.
Renee Anzalone
May 10, 2016
To Patricia, your son was amazing. He mentioned you often. He had a kind and loving soul.
Dawn Whynot
May 10, 2016
Pam, so sorry for your loss. Joel touched all who knew in ways that are beyond description. Heaven gained an angel. May God cover all those who knew him with the comfort and peace knowing that he is now at rest. Much love Joel, Fly high. You will be missed. ❤
Dan Eppel
May 10, 2016
Pam, family, and all those fortunate to have Joel in their life, I'm sorry. Joel, you left us too soon, but in the short time you were here, you left an incredible and lasting impression on all of us that we will never forget. Thank you for coming into all of our lives...
Amanda Saunders
May 10, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. My heart aches for your family. I'm so Sorry. Rest Easy Joel. ♡
Sherry Nolan-Hess
May 10, 2016
Pam, my heart hurts for you. I am so sorry to hear about Joel. You were a gift to each other and You were both so lucky to have each other. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your heart.
Sara
May 10, 2016
Pam we are all thinking of you. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Joel's passing. I remember working with him when was little, that smile could brighten any ones day. To his brothers- we are thinking of you as well. May you all find some peace and comfort in each other.
Amanda Palmer-Rosado
May 10, 2016
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Joel.
Pam
May 10, 2016
Joel, you meant the world to me. I feel your loss down to my soul. I take comfort in knowing you are no longer carrying your burden. Fly high with the angels. All my love...util we meet again.
Jennifer Malik
May 10, 2016
Joel,
You were always the one to make me laugh. You loved to joke around and be silly in English class. I remember you teasing me throughout English and Spanish. Thanks for my first slow dance and some of those phone calls! Thank you also for making the DC trip fantastic. I wish we didn't drift apart because you were my first real guy friend. You are loved by so many and will be missed by everyone. RIP Joel Velez<3
Sandy and Ken Bisson
May 10, 2016
Pam, we are so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He shall be remembered and missed.
May 10, 2016
Rest in peace young man. May your family and friends find comfort in each other.
A Mom / Grandmother
Ashley Forhan
May 10, 2016
Joel, you touched so many lives and always left everyone with a smile on their face. You are one of the most vibrant souls I have ever met. You will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to Justin and the rest of your family. You will always be loved. Rest In Peace Joel.
May 10, 2016
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Candy Laine
May 10, 2016
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss.We will all deeply miss our cousin Joel. RIP Joel <3
Rosa Velez
May 10, 2016
It's hard to believe your gone, you will be missed and forever stay in our hearts, you left way to soon.
Tyler Morrison
May 10, 2016
This all doesn't feel real. You'll definately always have a special place in my heart ❤ Rest in peace Joel, rock the heavens and watch over all of us! You'll be missed tons
Jasmin Melendez
May 10, 2016
Rip in Paradise
May 10, 2016
i love you so much Joel i don't know how to say goodbye you are my baby boy and always will be my heart is so broken i want to celebrate your life you were loved by many and will stay in our hearts forever your at peace now fly high baby boy and mommy will see you again i love you so much
Linda Mason
May 9, 2016
Joel had such a wonderful heart- he will be missed. May he rest in peace and love.
Maura Laboy
May 9, 2016
Rest in paradise sweet angel..my little cuz..you will always be in our hearts
Maria Isabel Rijos Soares
May 9, 2016
Its never to say good bye to a family member, may god give peace to my uncle and aunt Patty and Willy.. So sorry for the loss... God bless the family in this time of grief.. RIP
Every Parent ~
May 9, 2016
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Your recent loss of your loved one whose tragic death at such a youthful age is definitely in the category of those hard losses.
We ask for God's blessings on your family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace and confidence by remembering you do not walk alone. - In deepest sympathy,
Ami Marshall
May 9, 2016
In living memory of the always loving funny kid...who his mom dad siblings cousins aunts uncles family and friends are gonna miss something terrible
Destinee Flores
May 9, 2016
i miss you so much joel this is still unreal:( rest easy papii watch over us please!
Greg, Bridget & Nick Matte
May 9, 2016
Sending our sincere condolences during this time of deep loss and grief. Be assured we stand with you during this painful experience and beyond. Joel always made an impression with his infectious smile and good heart. He was well loved as a son, brother and friend. He will be missed.
keila rijos
May 9, 2016
RIP my angel may your wings carry you highest of all the angel
Cherie Ansin
May 9, 2016
My sincerest sympathies to everyone who cared for and loved Joel. I will forever remember a delightful hardworking young man who I enjoyed getting to know when he worked at Rein in a Dream. A little ray of sunshine went into the darkness when Joel passed away, only to be found now that he is at peace. He was a special young man.
Dawnye Lassiter
May 9, 2016
R.i.P cousin
You will be missed and never forgotten. Love you Joel and please watch over the family
Ami Marshall
May 9, 2016
Rip little cuz... hope your resting easy with Grammy Nanna Stevie Kristen jonathen Cody and everyone we've loss..till we meet again
Jason Smith
May 9, 2016
R.I.P lil bro
Anjelica Redfern
May 9, 2016
My heart goes out to Joel's family .
You are now at peace love .
Gone to soon .
But will never be forgotten!
I pray for peace for his loved ones .
R.I.P. Joel ❤
Anjelica Redfern
May 9, 2016
My heart goes out to Joel's family .
You are now at peace love .
Gone to soon .
But will becee be forgotten!
I pray for peace for his loved ones .
R.I.P. Joel ❤
Danielle Tremblay
May 9, 2016
Joel, your smile could truly brighten a room. I will forever miss your laugh, our bus rides, and our silly conversations. You lived only a street over and I'm extremely lucky to have had you that close. Our lunches in elementary school, middle school, and high school are some that I will always treasure. You are now a beautiful angel who will watch over everyone and are already missed by so many. Rest in the sweetest of peace, Joel
Juan Velez
May 9, 2016
My condolences to my brother,patty and their children I love Joel he was my nephew and i will always keep Joel in my memories.
Isaiah Velez
May 9, 2016
You will be missed cuz I love you
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