Rodolfo “Popo” Rivera Velez was born in Gonzales, Texas on March 12, 1924 and passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Austin, Texas at the age of ninety-seven. Rodolfo was dearly loved by his wife of sixty-one years, Virginia Velez, and children, daughter Alicia Velez, son Rudolph Velez Jr. and wife Sally, daughter Alma and husband Johnny Gonzales, daughter Leticia Soliz, and daughter Silia and husband Gilbert Sanchez Jr.
Popo is also survived by his grandchildren Chris Gonzales and wife Sol-Ana, Jon Velez, David Velez, Laura De Leon and husband Ben, Adrian De Leon and wife Elizabeth, Vanessa Gonzales, Aaron Soliz, D’Ana Velez, Macey Soliz, and Aliyah Sanchez; great grandchildren Phoenix Velez, Chaysen Velez, and Lauren Espino; and sister Mary Barker. Popo is preceded in death by his parents Santiago and Rumalda Velez and siblings Pablo, Elizabeth, David, Consuelo, and Ophelia.
Popo was a long time resident of Alvin, Texas for 56 years and worked as a foreman for Hermann Lease Service. Popo moved to Austin, Texas in 2004. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working outside in his yard or in his workshop. He was a die hard fan of the Houston Astros and enjoyed watching the Houston Oilers and Texans. He will be remembered for his love for his family, big heart, laughter, and dance moves.
A visitation for Popo will take place at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 5 p.m. Services will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 10 a.m. with a graveside to follow.
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