Mrs. Velia G Vellanti

Velia G. Vellanti, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on January 22, 2024, in Homestead, Florida. She was born on October 21, 1933, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Robert and Theresa Fresquez. Velia had the privilege of growing up on one of the very vast sheep ranches in all of New Mexico, belonging to her grandfather, Leopoldo Pacheco.

As a child with seldom playmates her age, Velia found solace in the pages of books which in turn led to her gaining such literary expertise and eloquent speech to extenuate her natural poise and sophistication. Her explored talents were showcased in Flamenco dancing, singing and painting. She may have been a rancher’s daughter, but she was, without a doubt, such a refined lady.

Velia’s passion for creativity steered her to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at Barry University. It was during her time there in Miami that she began dating her husband, Thomas A. Vellanti Sr. and they were soon married in 1954. As a devoted wife to a navigator and officer for the U.S. Coast Guard, Civil Engineer and Real Estate Developer, Velia unwaveringly committed her role as a homemaker and mother to their four children.

Throughout her life, Velia developed a knack for cooking amazing Italian and New Mexican cuisine and a green thumb while tending to her orchids. She was always on the move, attending concerts and performances and taking pleasure in simply just going to the movies. Basking in sunshine on the beach or on the boat in the Florida Keys with her husband, friends and family was a weekend leisure for most of her entire life. When not with her family, Velia was seen galavanting all over town with her best friend, Jeanine Ianni. She had a zest for adventure and a love for travel, which she continued to indulge in, even up to almost the age of 88. She truly had an up-for-anything personality, and her spontaneity was contagious. She greatly enjoyed keeping up with the younger crowd, for which her children and grandchildren are forever grateful for being able to experience those fond, fun moments with her.

After her husband’s passing in 2008, her children stood behind all her endeavors and ensured all means necessary to extend her quality of life. It is undeniable how much she was such a treasure to the Vellanti Family. She cheated death multiple times, jokingly enough becoming coined the “Cat Woman” as her superpower was having more than nine lives. But after her tired resilience fighting a rare form of cancer, the complications took over and she can now rest peacefully and joyously alongside her husband in heaven.

Velia G. Vellanti is survived by her loyal children; Maria, Thomas II, Joseph, and Christopher; son-in-law Dennis Berry; daughters-in-law, Tina and Ziggy; her cherished grandchildren; Andrew, Anthony, Regina, Matthew, Marina, Nicholas, Rocky, Tommy III, Denise, Linci, and Calla; and her darling great-grandchildren, Juliana, Sofia, Luna and Wylder. She is also survived by her siblings; James, Ronald, Edward, and Belva; as well as many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins who held a special place in her heart.

Velia was an extraordinary and sensational woman. She carried and shared her heart of gold, always extending a helping hand and embracing others with open arms. To know Velia was to be captivated by her endearing charm and to experience the depth of her love and the everlasting sweetness of her soul.

May her memory as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and dear friend continue to inspire us all.

We all love you Mom/Nanny/Aunt Velia/Mrs.V always and forever.

A visitation for Velia will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Palms Woodlawn, 27100 Old Dixie Hwy Naranja, FL 33032. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 106 Southeast 1st Drive, Homestead, FL 33030. A committal service will occur Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 27100 Old Dixie Hwy Naranja, FL 33032.