Rafa was a resident of Merced, California for 35 years and previously lived in Guadalajara Mexico for 43 years.
Rafa loved to sing, being around family, vacationing in Puerto Vallarta and going to the beach. He enjoyed watching soccer games and loved feeding all animals.
Rafa and Lupe ran a daycare for 28 years. During that time Rafa gained the nickname "Papi Rafa." This nickname stayed with him until the day he passed. All of his daycare kids continue to call him Papi Rafa to this day.
Rafa is preceded in death by his mother, Mercedes Trujillo; father, Francisco Velazquez; son, Failito Velazquez and daughter, Rosalinda Velazquez.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lupe Velazquez; children, Lourdes Velasquez, Maria Bales, Daniel Velasquez, Luis A. Velasquez, Rafael Velasquez III and Andrea Velasquez. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren .
A visitation for Rafael will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Rosary taking place at 6:30 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California 95341. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 562 W 13th St, Merced, California 95341. Interment will follow at Merced Cemetery District 1300 B St, Merced, California 95341.
Serving as pallbearers are Rafael Velasquez III, Luis A. Velasquez, Lupe Gutierrez, Sebastian Velasquez, Anthony Gaona, Alonzo Romero, Malachi Velasquez, Miguel Lavizzi and Matt Bales.
