Ronald "Ron" Velez

Ronald Velez passed peacefully from this life, August 4, 2019, after months of failing health. He was surrounded by his beloved wife and best friend Wendi, his loving and most cherished daughter Cheryl and dearly devoted caregiver Lisi Kaufusi, during the last days of his life.

Ron was born September 2, 1939, in San Jose, California. He was the seventh child of Clement and Carmelita Velez. Ron was from a large family that included ten children, consisting of five boys and five girls. His siblings...Edith, Julie, Bernice, Carmelita, Clement Jr., Robert, Dorothy, Laurence and Anthony.

Proud and loving father of three children: Diane, Ron Jr. and Cheryl; five grandchildren: Alexssandro Gutierrez, Jonathan Caampued, Corina Velez-Jimenez, Thomas Quesada Jr. and Bianca Quesada; four great grandchildren: Jubilee Quesada, Isaiah Chheun, Mai’ana Cruz, Kepuha Cruz; and five godchildren: Ted Tarter Jr., Pauline Velez Costa, Steven San Jose, Morgan Ossmann and Jordan Ossmann

Ron lived in San Jose for seventy-five years, in addition to about five years in Oakland, California. After graduating from Oakland Technical high school in 1958, Ron and his family moved back to San Jose, where he started his career as a diehard union plumber. Ron was a member of UA Local Union 393, for forty-one years.

Baseball was his one true sport. Ron would always tell stories about practicing for hours and hours, throwing a tennis ball against the house and stairs. Playing baseball as a youngster and throughout his life, Ron would say, “All I want to do is play baseball,” and he did just that. Ron truly felt unusually peaceful and much happier on the ballfield.

Not only did Ron live to play baseball, he enjoyed coaching little league and community softball. Coaching both men’s and women’s teams for many years, mostly consisting of family and friends. Coach Ron was stern but fair, giving everyone a chance to play. In 1981, Ron reluctantly started the women’s team, which primarily consisted of the wives and girlfriends of the men’s team. At first, Ron’s shyness caused his lips to quiver when talking to the women on the team. Eventually, Ron did get over his extreme shyness. In spite of his reluctant nature to date again, Ron was receptive to the interests of one particular player, his shortstop, Wendi Sue Michelli. Who he sometimes, affectionately called Michelli. No longer as painfully shy as he once was, Ron married Wendi Sue, in 1982.

Ron was married to the love of his life, for thirty-seven years. Not bad, considering Ron said, “I will NEVER get married again, but if I do, it won’t be to a YOUNGER woman again.” Not only did he get married, but he married Wendi, who is nineteen years his junior. Never say never! After Ron discovered that Wendi’s parents had the same age and skin color differences, he didn’t feel nearly as anxious about meeting her grandparents. Ron always marveled at the commonalities of their lives..born in San Jose, raised in the welfare system, parents age and color differences, and love of sports.

Ron and Wendi spent much of their life together, traveling the world. Family and friends joined the fun on many occasions. Precious memories, indeed. No doubt, an unlimited amount of delicious food. Of course, copious amounts of vanilla ice cream, especially for Ron. Without exception, an endless amount of laughing, chatting, lovingly teasing one another and sometimes even drinking. Yes, even Ron imbibed on small quantities of champagne, on occasion.

In addition to being a world traveler, Ron’s favorite pastime included his most cherished collection of movies and his beloved New York Yankees vintage films. He enjoyed watching and humming along to Roy Orbison’s Black and White night DVD. Ron loved, loved, loved VANILLA, VANILLA, VANILLA ice cream. In fact, Wendi affectionately referred to him as Ron “Vanilla ice cream” Velez. Ron had such a delightful childlike smile when he heard Wendi mention his favorite ice cream.

After his retirement in 1999, Ron enjoyed more quality time with family and friends. As well as attending his godchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. Most precious of all, Ron treasured the one-on-one time he spent leisurely strolling around the neighborhood with his beloved grandchildren and godchildren. He delighted in imparting the wisdom of his life lessons.

Ron will be remembered for his fierce independence, strength, and loyalty to his family.

Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate Ron’s life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.

So long, coach Ron - Show them all how to play baseball!

*** As an expression of sympathy, please contribute to Alzheimer’s research of your choice. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of people living with Alzheimer's disease and support research to improve treatment, care and prevention.