Born and raised in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York and moved to Richmond, Virgina in 1961. He was preceded in death by parents, Dominick and Letitia Velleca; and sister, Florence Mankowski. He is survived by wife, Margaret (Peggy); children, Maria V. Williams (husband, Sonny), Kathleen V. Huddleston (husband, Shelton), Nancy V. Richardson (husband, Al); grandchildren, Brittany and Sean Bartgis, Andrew Huddleston; many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.
CW4 John Velleca joined the New York Army National Guard on October 2, 1951, serving in many positions, from the rank of Private up through First Sergeant. He transfered to the Virginia Army National Guard as a full-time Federal Technician in 1961 and was promoted up through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 4. CW4 Velleca was awarded many medals, to include the Army Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
CW4 Velleca retired from the Virginia Army National Guard on December 12, 1994, with 43 years of service. CW4 Velleca was a life member of the Virginia National Guard Association and the National Guard Association of the United States and served as a Virginia Delegate to the National Guard Association of America for over 15 years. He served as the Executive Director of the Virginia National Guard Association for seven years and was awarded the title of Executive Director Emeritus for his outstanding service. He was also a member and usher of Our Lady of Lourdes, Woodman Road and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and Thursday, December 13, 2018, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Service of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2018, at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel, following grave site at Westhampton Memorial Park.
