Sgt. Alfonso Roberto Velarde (Al), USMC, Korean War Veteran, US Immigration Officer and Assistant Port Director, husband and father of four was called home by God to join Al’s wife, Evangelina, on March 19th, 2025.
Al was born on November 22nd, 1929 in El Paso, Texas. He had a tumultuous childhood. He was abandoned by his natural mother shortly after birth, adopted and raised in a challenging environment. As a child, he often spent nights on the street or in the back of cars. In his early teens, he sold newspapers at the corner of El Paso St. and San Antonio where he often had to fight to fend off others who wanted to sell from that corner. At 16, Al ran away to Los Angeles. There he befriended Joe and Amelia who took him under their wing and invited him to live with them. Al reached a fork in the road where he had to choose “doing right, or doing wrong”. With the help of Joe and Amelia, Al chose to do right.
At 18, Al enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. One year after enlistment, he was sent to Korea where he fought honorably in the Korean Conflict for more than a year. After returning from the war, Al received an Honorable Discharge and returned to El Paso to begin his career.
Al joined the US Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1952. He was an Inspector and worked the various ports of entry in El Paso and other ports, from Tornillo to Columbus, New Mexico. During the Cuban refugee crisis of the late 70’s, Al was sent to Cuba to process Cuban Refugees who were fleeing their country. Al promoted through the ranks and retired from INS as the Assistant Port Director at the Bridge of Americas (BOTA).
When Al was a young Inspector working the pedestrian lanes, he saw a beautiful young lady who was crossing into the U.S. with her boyfriend. Al pulled the young lady aside for secondary inspection and learned who the young lady was. Her name was Evangelina (Eva) Garibay Villarreal. After the secondary inspection, Al asked Eva if she would be interested in a date, and if so, to return to his inspection station. A couple days later, Eva returned, and she became the love of Al’s life.
Al and Eva married in 1953 and began their family. Patricia (Pat) was their first born followed by Elizabeth (Liz), Alfonso Jr. (Al Jr.) and Linda. Al and Eva raised their children with love, kindness and discipline, and each grew up to raise their own families and enjoy their careers.
In 2011, Al’s beloved wife passed away and Al’s life would be forever changed. He struggled accepting her passing because he had worked so hard to leave Eva a home, finances, and all that she would need for her to live out her life after Al passed. God had different plans and called Eva home first. Al would live another 14 years.
God had plans for Al. God needed Al to become an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. For his children, he continued to help them keep focused on living a life of righteousness and good. During this time, his grandchildren were starting families and careers of their own and his presence provided a beacon for them to follow, and know that despite the obstacles that life presents, they can overcome them and follow the path to goodness. And for the latest generation of the Velarde family, they have come to know a wonderful and loving man who they will remember when they learn of his story and the legacy he leaves behind.
Al is preceded in death by his loving wife Evangelina. He is survived by his children Patricia Bullard and her husband Jim, Elizabeth Miller and her husband David, Alfonso Velarde (Jr.) and his wife Laura, and Linda Velarde. Al’s surviving grandchildren are Jennifer Bullard, Chris Bullard, Lindsey Miller, Stephen Miller, Adrian Velarde, Daniel Velarde, Nicole Velarde, Tessy Lynch and Hayley Lynch. Al’s great grandchildren are Angelina Velarde, Isaiah Velarde, Sophia Velarde, Isabella Velarde, Hudson Bullard, Hayes Bullard and Ariel Christine Miller.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Simpatico Senior Living Center. Their love and dedication to Al enabled him to live a healthy and independent life during his senior years.
After 95 years, Alfonso R. Velarde has completed his journey and God has called him to join Evangelina in Heaven. While those who love him will miss him dearly, they are comforted knowing he is now where he has been longing to be. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Visitation for Alfonso will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. Graveside service will occur Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.
