Luis Alfonso Velarde, Jr.

The head of the Velarde family left us on March 11th, 2021, may God grant him peace. Alfonso was born Nov. 1, 1936 to Luis Alfonso Velarde Sr. and Maureen Casarez. He grew up in El Paso’s Sunset Heights and attended St. Patrick’s Elementary, Cathedral High School (Viva LA CATE) and received his degree at Texas Western College in Political Science in 1961. He lived life to the fullest and never had a joke he wasn’t prepared to throw your way, often multiple times. He was also known as Pelon, King Shaab and Pop to the people that knew him best. Pop loved his Sports teams and was convinced his blood ran Dodger Blue. An avid golfer, world traveler, historian, and teller of tall tales.

He taught in El Paso ISD for 6 years before deciding to take his career down a new road by joining the U.S. Welfare Conference of Bishops-later renamed to U.S. Catholic Conference (USCC). During his 30 yr. career, he was authorized by the Immigration Board of Appeals to represent and assist immigrants and refugees from around the world. He received numerous City, State and Federal honors, among those the Presidential Metal for involvement in the Chamizal Agreement between U.S. and Mexico. He was also a member of countless Local, State and Federal Commissions and also was a Past President of the Lions Club.

During his tenure with USCC he never lost his love of teaching as he taught Immigration & Citizenship classes at El Paso Community College in the evenings and Saturdays. He was appointed by the Immigration Service outreach program to develop and teach classes to staff of U.S. Volunteer Agencies on Immigrant visa processing, amnesty, refugees, and U.S. Citizenship via Naturalization. Upon his retirement he continued to develop numerous citizenship programs for the School Districts within El Paso County especially the Yselta ISD Adult Education section.

Alfonso met the love of his life Josefita (Fita) Silva in College and they married in 1960. They had 5 wonderful children, Leticia (Chris), David (Letty), Melissa, Luis (Anna) and Lisa (Garth). Pop and Grandma-sita had 7 grandchildren Nick, Ciera, Cheyenne, Daniella, Emma, Austin and Jacquelyn.

There are no scheduled services at this time. The family is planning a Celebration of life in the fall of 2021.