Eligio Jose Velasquez

Eligio J. Velasquez, 55, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Eva Velasquez, with whom he shared 35 beautiful years of marriage.

Eligio was born in Payton, Utah, but spent most of his life in Coyote, New Mexico. He was the son of the late Eligio Jose Velasquez and Sylvia Marker and was lovingly raised from the age of five by his stepfather, Freddy G. Marker, whom he regarded and honored as his father.

Eligio graduated from TV-I (now CNM) in 1991 with a certificate in Culinary Arts. He went on to dedicate 31 years of compassionate service to ARCA, starting in a substitute position and retiring as a Home Supervisor. In 2020, Eligio was honored with the National Direct Support Professional Award-the first recipient from New Mexico to receive this national recognition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was unable to travel to Florida to accept the award in person, choosing instead to remain by the side of the individuals he supported. Through remote therapy sessions and unwavering dedication, Eligio ensured continued care in physical, occupational, and speech therapies during lockdown restrictions.

Eligio was known among his colleagues and residents as "the care father" for his unmatched empathy and leadership. He advocated fiercely for individuals with disabilities, believing everyone deserved the opportunity to live with dignity and thrive in their community. His compassion and advocacy inspired many in the caregiving field, and he served as a mentor, training staff for years with patience and heart.

A devoted member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church for 35 years, Eligio volunteered as security for the church's religious education program for six years. He will be remembered for his deep faith, love for his family, and generous spirit. Eligio had a magnetic personality, a remarkable sense of humor, and an extraordinary ability to make others feel heard and valued. His home was always open to those in need.

Eligio is survived by his loving wife, Eva Velasquez; his children, Eligio F. Velasquez, Emma S. Velasquez, and Elias J. Velasquez; his brother, Richard Garcia (Connie) and family; sister-in law, Annie Martinez and family; brothers-in-law, Albert Tesillo (Norma); Eppy Cortez (Marlo) and family; Monica Sikes (Jeremy) and family; and Christina Tesillo (Dee); sister-in-law, Mary King (Jimmy) and family survived by close cousins Molly Morfin and family, Jerry and Laverne Ortega, Trapper and Mayo Martinez; his aunts Marcella Garcia, Juanita Vialpando, Eliza Montoya (Norman), and Ramona Morfin (Jose); and special extended family, Jim and Sandy Bostrom, special niece Monique Garcia. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who cherish him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia Marker; his father, Eligio Jose Velasquez; his stepfather, Freddy G. Marker; his brother, Melvin Garcia; and his grandparents, Medardo and Octaviana Garcia.

A viewing will be held on June 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at French Funeral & Cremations, 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. A Funeral Mass will take place on June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Place SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 700 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. A reception will be held afterward.

Pallbearers: Orlando Morfin, Wilfred Vialpando, Richard Garcia Jr., Matthew Moya, Eppy Cortez, Estevan "Trapper" Martinez, Eric Encinias, Brian Encinias, Gabriel Encinias, and Syncere Atler.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Bostrom, Jordan Morfin, Felix, Robert, Joey, Shaun, and Hailey Martinez.

Eligio's legacy of compassion, service, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.