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Angelo Velazquez - Class of 1964
Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 17/Jun/2025
97.124.253.87
 
Angelo Louis Velazquez Jr., 78, of Plattekill, NY passed away peacefully on June
14, 2025.
Born on September 4, 1946, in the Bronx, NY, Angelo was the
beloved son of Angel and Lillian Velazquez. He spent a joyful childhood
surrounded by his many cousins, forming bonds and memories that stayed with him
throughout his life.
Angelo attended most of his high school years at
Wallkill before graduating from NFA in 1964. He later pursued commercial art
studies in New York City, where he honed the creative skills that would define
his career. A gifted visual artist, he became known in the music industry for
his award winning album cover designs including “Tito Puente and His Concert
Orchestra”.
Angelo's passion for music began early. In high school, he
was a member of Irene and Her Latin Sextet, followed by The Latin Soul Sextet.
Both groups performed at many local venues, including the beloved Las Villas of
Plattekill. He later went on to lead The Orchestra Soul, which also played at
Las Villas and beyond, building a devoted following. These experiences laid the
foundation for his later success leading the special occasion band Celebration
in the Hudson Valley. As lead vocalist and vibraphone player, Angelo brought joy
to countless weddings and community events with Celebration’s signature sound.
Anywhere he went, he provided the soundtrack for the occasion—whether through
his music, his spirit, or his presence.
Angelo was a great mentor and
role model to many. Through his music, work, and quiet leadership, he inspired
those around him with his creativity, kindness, and generous heart. Above all,
he was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with loved ones.
On
June 13, 1970, Angelo married the love of his life, Gloria, in the Bronx.
Together they built a home filled with music, laughter, and enduring love.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran and devoted Catholic, Angelo was passionate
about his family, his faith, and his community. He was a lifelong fan of the New
York Yankees, and also cheered for the Giants and Knicks. Above all, he loved
salsa music and the joy it brought him.
Angelo is survived by his beloved
wife of 55 years, Gloria; his children Dan (Arline) Velazquez, Jeff Velazquez,
and Tanya (Greg) Lopez; his grandchildren Heather (Keith) Ferreira, Danielle
Lynn, AJ Velazquez, Nicole Velazquez (Eric Flanigan), Dakota Lopez, Mason (Luna)
Lopez, and Lee Lopez; and his great-grandchildren Quintin Ferreira, Jackson
Ferreira, and Sawyer Lynn. He also leaves behind many loving cousins, extended
family, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Javier
Ruiz and his staff, who provided Angelo with compassionate care over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National MS Society.
While
there will be no public services, the family invites you to remember Angelo in
your own way—through music, laughter, and the stories he loved to share. -
September 4, 1946 ~ June 14, 2025
Angelo Louis Velasquez Jr.
- Class of 1964 - September 11, 1946 ~ June 14, 2025
A full obituary to follow.
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