Ranchito “Ranchie” Romero Velasco, age 84, of San Diego, California passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026 in his home surrounded by family. Ranchie was born on October 2, 1941 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines. He graduated from Pangasinan Provincial High School in 1958 as the Class Valedictorian.
Four years later he immigrated to America after enlisting in the United States Navy. He served in the “Silent Service” on several Submarines as a Mess Specialist and as an Interior Communications Electrician.
He retired from active duty in 1982. He went on to serve the United States Navy in a civilian capacity ultimately serving over 40+ years of federal service. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia he met and married Petronila “Nelly” Camota, a Registered Nurse. They made their way to Morocco, before the Navy sent them to San Diego, California, which became the place they would call home and start their family. Ranchie and Nelly were married for over 55 years. They enjoyed socializing with their friends, going to casinos, and traveling the world, but most of all they loved spending time with their family especially their five grandchildren.
Ranchie is survived by his two children, Rachel "Rach" Velasco-Lind, CAPT, USN, Retired, and Randy Velasco, and their spouses Eric Lind, CMDR, USN, Retired, and Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco, DMD, and his five grandchildren, Daniel "Pogi Boy" Lind, Matthew "Matt Matt" Lind, Layla Velasco, Randy "Junior" Velasco, Jr., and Isabel "Isa"
Velasco. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nelly, his parents, Felix and Josefa Velasco, and his son Joseph Patrick Velasco.
The Visitation will be held at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley, on October 5, 2026from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Rancho de los Peñasquitos on October 6, 2026 at 10:00am, and his Burial will be held at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley at 12:00pm.
A Celebration of Life Luncheon immediately following the Burial from 1:00pm to 3:00pmat Great Plaza Buffet located on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Velasco family.
