Joe was born in Santa Rosa, New Mexico on April 27, 1935. He was the second child and the only son of Jose O. and Matilde Velasquez. They lived in a rural community called Puerta Del Luna just south of Santa Rosa. His parents moved the family which included himself, his two sisters, Lucy and Juanita and a cousin, Bessie to Amarillo. He lived in Amarillo for approximately 70 years.
Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February 1954. While serving his country in Korea he an suffered an injury that brought him back to Camp Pendleton. There he married Candelaria, and started his family. He had three daughters. The oldest Toni M. Velasquez was born in Long Beach, California, and when his service was completed, they returned to Amarillo. In Amarillo he had Emily, "Millie" C. Velasquez and Patricia A. Reedy.
He is survived by all three girls, four grandchildren; Victor Velasquez, Evan Sustaiti, Bobby Ray Sustaiti Jr., and Emily Sustaiti; and ten great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by is wife, Candy; his parents, Jose and Matilde, and two sisters, Lucy and Juanita.
Joe was an optimistic person and loved the game of chance. He returned regularly to the state of New Mexico to enjoy the opportunity to visit family, the casinos, and the horse races. He would always say,
"Mi'jita you will never now if you don't try."
He is with his family in heaven and will be greatly missed by his family on earth.
We love you Dad and until we meet again.
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