Hilario Gilbert Velasquez

Hilario (JR) Velasquez, 76, of Albuquerque, NM was called home to the Lord and passed away peacefully at his home on July 23rd, 2022 surrounded by his immediate family. Hilario was born in Colorado on Thursday, October 4th, 1945 to Hilario & Aurelia Velasquez. He grew up in the town of Dilia, NM in a large family with several brothers and sisters. He attended and graduated from Santa Rosa High School. After high school, he joined the construction industry where he went on to become an expert carpenter. His job allowed him to travel around NM working on various construction projects. In his early 20’s, he met his future wife, Mildred, in her hometown of Anton Chico, NM. Once married, they continued to travel around the state as his job permitted, before finally settling down in Albuquerque. He worked for Formworks Specialist as a loyal & valued employee for the next 35+ years. Hilario always loved to have a good time and appreciated the little things in life like camping in the mountains or at lakes with his family and friends. As an avid fisherman, he never missed an opportunity to take his children William & Valerie, grandsons Jordan, Marlee, Joseph or friends fishing on his boat. He loved watching horse racing & bull riding, playing poker with his friends, and going to the casinos. One of Hilario’s biggest passions in life was his love of his classic convertible cars! As a classic car enthusiast, he spent countless hours working on his cars to get them ready for car shows. Going to car shows with his family and friends was what made him truly happy. He loved just hanging out, talking and reminiscing with his friends under that “perfect tree” at each car show event. The trophies, plaques, and ribbons he won were always prominently displayed at his home. His convertibles were his pride and joy. That is, until his grandchildren and great grandchildren were born! He absolutely loved being a Grandpa or “Pompos” as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren. He enjoyed countless hours playing with his grandsons, going to watch their baseball or basketball games, making and building wood or metal projects, teaching them how use tools like saws & drills or taking them with him to car shows. Then when his great-grand daughter Autumn was born, he was thrilled to be retired and was able to spend quality time playing with her and watch her grow into a beautiful young girl. He was also recently blessed to get to meet his great- grandson Sebastian who was born this past April. Hilario was a friend to everyone and will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Hilario was proceeded in death by his Parents; Sister(s) Marcella Padilla, Carmen Chavez & Isabel Martinez; Brother(s) Alfred Velasquez, Alex Velasquez, Pat Velasquez, & Emiterio Velasquez. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mildred; Son William Velasquez; Daughter Valerie Velasquez-Lazarus & her husband Nathan; Grandchildren Jordan Velasquez & his wife Brianna; Marlee Lazarus; Joseph Velasquez; Great-Grandchildren Autumn & her brother Sebastian Velasquez, who all currently reside in Albuquerque. He is also survived by his Sister(s) Marilyn Gallegos of Albuquerque; Dolores Cordova (David) of Anton Chico; Brother Max Velasquez (Gabby) of Santa Rosa; along with numerous nieces & nephews.

Being a Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather was one of Hilario’s greatest joys and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. May You Rest In Peace Pompos!

A Rosary will be held Friday, August 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Wyoming. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming, Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM, 87109. A reception will follow at the American Legion post #13, 1202 Legion rd, NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102. Please visit our online guestbook for Hilario at www.frenchfunerals.com

FRENCH-Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd, NE

505-823-9400