Obituary of Benjamin Velez

Benjamin Velez was born on November 17, 1932 in Puerto Rico to Jose Abelardo Velez and Antonia Barbosa.  Ben moved to San Francisco, CA in the early 50s and married Hilda Solorzano at the age of 23.  They moved to Los Angeles where he and his beautiful wife lived for 15 years and had four children.

In late 1972,  Ben and the family came to Salinas, CA, where he became good friends with Father Humberto Hermosa, pastor at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Both Ben and his wife, Hilda, became active members at Christ the King and later at St. Mary of the Nativity, serving in ministries such as Cursillos, Eucharistic ministers and home group bible studies.  When his wife became too ill to serve, Ben committed himself to her care till her passing  in 2008.  They were married for 52 years and he missed his wife dearly; now he is by her side 10 years later. 

Our Lord called Ben home on October 4, 2018.

All his married life was dedicated to being a good husband and father, and was a good friend to those who knew him.  Ben is survived by two siblings, Almida Velez Barbosa and Jose Abelardo Velez, his children, Tina, Toni, Joe and Elizabeth, plus 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

The passing of Ben and his wife is a great loss to their family and friends, for they enriched many in their church and community with their caring, generosity and hospitality.  

THEY WILL BE MISSED!!

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 1-9pm with a Rosary vigil at 6pm all at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd Salinas, CA  93905.

Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 10am at St. Mary of the Nativity Church 424 Towt St. Salinas, CA  93905.

Burial to follow services at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery 18200 Damian Way Salinas, CA  93907.