Raul Joseph Velazquez, Jr Resident of San Lorenzo Age 63, died February 13, 2012, at Palo Alto's VA hospice, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 17, 1948, in Oakland, to Raul and Esther Velazquez Sr. He was the eldest of four children, Rickey and Robert Velazquez and Susan Campos. Graduate of Pacific High School Class of 1967, and a Vietnam Veteran with a Honorable Discharge and decorated metals and ribbons from the U.S
Army. Raul was an amazing spirit and outdoor enthusiast loving scuba diving, hiking Yosemite's half dome, and many events with his family. Raul was survived by his wife Theresa Velazquez, his four children and their mother, Raul Velazquez III, Lisa Lawrence, Dawn Paige, Lori Anson and Greta Velazquez, and his step children Angelina Rojas and Michael Pieroni. Survived also by two grandchildren Jenna and Bryce Lawrence, nephews and niece Marcus, Robert and Renae Campos, as well as other numerous family and friends. Raul was a kind hearted and a loving man that touched many lives and he will be deeply missed. Services in his honor will be held at St. Leander's Church, 550 West Estudillo Avenue San Leandro: Viewing: Thurs Feb 23 4-7pm, Mass and Veteran Salute Fri Feb 24 2pm. The family requests that Memorial Donations be made to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .
Sue Ferreira (Nunes) (1967)
May God bless and keep him and grant him peace. My deepest sympathy to the entire Velazquez family and all who loved him.
David Gazarian (1967)
Raul was my best friend since 2nd grade. He was always a very happy and energetic person. We skiied, we hiked and did many things together. I worked with him at Oscar Mayer for 9 years after returning from Vietnam. I even hooked up with him for 3 days while we were over there ( I was awol for those 3 days) just to be with him. He was always so encouraging and had a great outlook on life. He was the energizer bunny, always on the move. He truly was the meaning of FRIEND, he will be missed dearly and has taken a part of our hearts. The Gazarian Family, Rick, Margie, Daniel, and Carli. We love you. God Bless you man.
Karla Alsgood (Sandoval) (1967)
Rest in Peace!!! At this time it is very difficult for his family. Remember all the memories of Raul he would want you to smile when you think of him. Root for his Yankee's that will make him happy.
Joseph Randy Decena (1966)
Raul was a very upbeat person!! He hardly talked bad against anyone that I can remember. The first time that I ever back-packed in the Mountains was with Raul, Rick Gazarian, Jeff Lamata. I showed Raul how to Photograph the mountains and forest and lakes in a Panoramic View while on that excursion. We had a good time and it was magnificent and exciting at the same time!! About a year before he passed away, all four of us happened to get together at Jeff's apartment and we realized that all of us were together once more. So my cousin Jeff, broke out the Back-pack pictures and we all remenisted on that trip. Each photo had a story to tell and we viewed at least 30 of them.
Take care Raul, and rest in Peace. You didn't deserve to pass on in the manner that was........Agent Orange. I thought that for the way you were with others, that you, would pass on in an OLD AGE! Not only will your friends miss you............The World will Miss You Too!! I hope to see you in the next life old friend!
Randy Decena
Mark Wilson (1967)
My old bud from Wilson. Miss you
Vikki McGuire (1966)
My belated condolences to Raul's family and friends. Fond, fond memories of a dear person.
Vikki McGuire