Obituaries

Deacon Manuel Velazquez, Sr., 79

November 27, 2018

Manuel “Manny” Velazquez Sr., 79, of Lancaster, went home to God on November 27, 2018. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Hipolito Velazquez and Ramona Ruiz Velazquez and the beloved husband to Basilisa Santos Velazquez.
For 25 years, Manny worked as a Forman in the Molding Department of ITT Grinnell in Columbia. He then went on to be a Catholic Chaplain at Camp Hill State Prison for 13 years. Manny was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ranked as a Corporal, he served as a Paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne and was stationed state side at Fort Bragg, NC and in Germany.
On July 10, 1978, Manuel was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Harrisburg by Bishop Joseph T. Daily; he was in the first group of permanent deacons for the Diocese. Though he was officially assigned to Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served with dedication, his deep commitment to the Latino community also led him to serve generously at Iglesia Católica San Juan Bautista. He also participated in his neighborhood church, St. Joseph’s. Those who knew Deacon Manuel noted that he was busier after retirement than he was when working. In addition to his liturgical and charitable work as a Deacon, he also assisted the Diocesan Tribunal, was an active member of the Hispanic Apostolate and served in the formation and support of current and aspiring deacon candidates.
He loved baseball, country music, western movies, spending time with his family, and ministering to those in need.
Manny is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Basilisa, his sister, Iris Navarro, his children; Norma Colon (Edwin), Nancy Velazquez, Manuel Velazquez Jr., Geraldo Velazquez (Kathy), Gloria Bones (Donald Jr.), Lisa Hall (J. Patrick), Christina Kopcho (Marc), and Marie Linares, his 21 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughters, Lourdes Velazquez and Sandra Perry.
Funeral liturgies for Deacon Velazquez will begin on Monday, December 3, 2018 with a viewing from 4:00 – 7:00pm at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, 425 S. Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602. The Holy Mass will follow the viewing, starting at 7:00pm. On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, a viewing will be held from 8:30 – 9:45am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603. The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow services at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate a memorial gift to San Juan Bautista Catholic Church or St Mary’s Catholic Church.

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Condolences to the Family

January 27, 2019

Manny was a living example to us all! He was very much loved and he comforted so many when it was most needed. He informed me when I Mother was caught in a tornado that took her home but God keep her alive. Manny also shared special moments with me such as the miracle of the food being distribusted at a landfill in Mexico where enough food for 5,000 had been provided but 25,000 individuals attended – and all were fed! I was just going to reach out to Manny today and then found out about his passsing. I’m so sorry for his familie’s loss. I will pray for him and all of you as well. He is with our Lord and I’m sure he is helpig out there as well since this is what he always did for others! Helping out! May God Bless you Manny and your family!! Your Friend David 

December 11, 2018

Dear Doña Basilisa,  I am so sorry to hear of your lose.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  He was a lovely person and will be truly missed.  I will always have fond memories of Deacon Manny, you and your family letting me tag along on family outing. 

December 10, 2018

My family and I express our condolences to the entire Velazquez family, especially to Cila, Manuel’s dear wife and partner for over 50 years.  The family has been in our lives for many years and I will not forget Manuel’s birthday parties, every January 1st.  Descanse en paz.  You will not be forgotten.
Angela Crespo Glenn, Israel Candido Jr. Crespo

December 05, 2018

Deacon Manny was in my life since my baptism as an infant. My family and I are going to miss his presence at mass. My son already misses the blessing he would give him (since he can’t receive communion yet.) He was just such a beautiful presence and did so much for our community. May God have him in his grace. We miss you deacon Manny. 

December 04, 2018

We shall miss Deacon Manny reading the gospel at St. Mary’s Church. That great smile and always stopping to say hello to everyone. He always showed the christian way of life. What a great human being. We are very sorry for your loss,but it’s Heavens gain.

December 04, 2018

I was sad to hear of the sudden death of Deacon Manny. It is true we must always be prepared and I’m sure he was. May he enjoy eternal life with our Lord and Savior. May God comfort his family.  Ginny Anspach

December 04, 2018

Tio Manuel, mom, Julio and I, cry for you this day because we could not see you to say goodbye! We pray over here for the healing of the pain that titi, your kids and their families are all going though for your passing! We are joyful that you are right now in heaven and even though we are going to miss you deeply, we will meet again! Your sister aches with a heavy heart knowing those phone calls from you are gone. However she says she will talk to you in her dreams and feels better knowing your with God. I am happy you were able to send your first snowstorm pictures 2 days before you left us. We will cherish them always! Love you tio, forever friend and brother! See ya, Monin, Julio and your beloved sister Iris

December 03, 2018

My condolences to the Velaquez Family on your loss. My heart and prayers to the family. Randy McCauley

December 03, 2018

My dear cousin Manny, the last time I saw you was your mom’s funeral. You said the most inspirational words at her bedside I’ll always remember. You said if you want to see your loved ones again in heaven you need to prepare yourself and live your life in Christ. Thank you for that. RIP ❤️ Your cousin,Miriam Lugo Kunda 

December 03, 2018

What a beautiful soul!! The angels are rejoicing at his homecoming. Jesus, thank you for his life. Dr. Loretto Grier Cudjoe Smith

December 03, 2018

My condolences & prayers to the Velaquez family. The heavens gained a great soldier. God bless. From the Torres family 

December 03, 2018

My deepest condolences to Sila, all the children,  grandchildren, great grandchildren, the rest of the family and the many friends he made through out the years.  My prayers are with all of you at this andj moment. He always preached by his example as a man of God. He was great friend of the Sanchez family and we all loved and respected him very much.  He will always live in our HEARTS.  R. I . P. Manuel.  I’m not saying goodbye,  I’m saying I will see you again.  

December 02, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Velazquez family. May Manuel (Papa) rest in peace. And may you all hold him and his memory close to your hearts.     

December 02, 2018

Those of us at Sacred Heart Church and School also fondly remember Manny being a part of our parish/school family where he will always be remembered. 

December 02, 2018

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

December 01, 2018

Deacon Manny will be missed at St Mary’s.  My condolences to the his wife and family.  

December 01, 2018

Manny, You will def be missed. God gained a precious angel, R.I.P. ….My prayers go out to his family…. – Ruth Ann McCord

December 01, 2018

QUE DIOS LE CONCEDA FORTALEZA Y CONSUELO EN ESTE MOMENTO Y DESPUES A TODA LA FAMILIA.  QUE DIOS ACOJA A ESTE HERMANO TAN ESPECIAL EN SUS BRAZOS PARA QUE,TENGA DESCANZO ETERNO. ESTAN EN NUESTRAS ORACIONES.. DEP MANNY GRACIAS POR SU AMOR, DEDICACION Y SERVICIO..♥️POR SIEMPRE EN NUESTROS CORAZONES.. 

November 30, 2018

My deepest condolences to the Velasquez family ❤️🙏you will be miss rip love Tiny going to miss his weekend phone calls 😪😪😪😪

November 30, 2018

My deepest condolences to the Velasquez family❤🙏 Cousin Manny was an amazing soul and willy truly be missed. RIP Heaven has truly gained an 👼 Love Rebecca Alvarez and Family

November 30, 2018

Dear Manny–you will be missed.  Many prayers for you and your family.  Rest in peace.  
Millie Rodriguez

November 30, 2018

Señora Sila mis más sentidas condolencias para usted y su familia. Una gran pérdida para nuestra Iglesia y nuestra comunidad. Que Dios lo reciba con sus brazos abiertos.

November 30, 2018

It will seem strange not seeing Deacon Manny at St. Mary’s. His jokes and pleasant nature will be missed for sure. Our Lord called a good and dedicated man to heaven with him.

November 30, 2018

En nombre de mi familia y mío propio doy mis más sentido pésame a toda la familia velazque y ruego a Dios por su consuelo. Querido hermano Manuel descansa en la paz de nuestro señor Jesús. Nunca te olvidaremos ..love Ana mayo y familia

November 30, 2018

With great sorrow I learned of Manny’s sudden death.  We were both in the first class of DEACONS in 1978.  What a great inspiration he was to the Diocese of Harrisburg.  Our loss is Heavens gain.  Intercede for us Manny    REST IN PEACE    Deacon Richard Wentzel 

November 30, 2018

Madrina and family so very sorry for your loss. Thank you the kindness and the love you have always shown my family,you will be greatly missed Padrino.

November 30, 2018

It’s hard to imagine St. Mary’s without Deacon Manny. My prayers to Sila and the rest of the family. —Tina Skubon

November 30, 2018

Your family is in our prayers. Deacon Manny was always so warm and welcoming to our family at Saint Mary’s and San Juan. We have deep respect for the advocacy and witness Manny provided to those incarcerated, the lives he touched will carry the spirit of his work here. The Anders family

November 30, 2018

Manuel will be missed.  He always had words of inspiration with a smile on his face.  Our deepest sympathy to the family.

November 30, 2018

I’m so very very sorry for your loss my heart goes out to the family 

November 29, 2018

So very sorry for your loss. Deacon Manny will be greatly missed. You are in my prayers. ~ Julie Zug

November 29, 2018

On behalf of the Saez(Nando)family we express our deepest condolences to the family. You were one of my dads favorite cousins and the trips we took with him to visit you were great memories. Prayers to the family. RIP dear cousin Manny. 

November 29, 2018

Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Love and respect 
family from Ohio

November 29, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to Sila and her family at the tremendous loss of our cousin Manuel.

November 29, 2018

Our condolences to the Velazquez family. RIP Deacon Manuel. You will always live in our hearts. The Torres family.

November 29, 2018

My fiance Denton Hart and I are sorry for your loss you are in our prayers.We will miss deacon manny at St marys

November 29, 2018

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.GOD WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS.WE LOVE YOU.THE BONES AND GREEN FAMILY’S

Visitation
Monday, December 03, 2018
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
San Juan Bautista Catholic Church
425 S. Duke St
Lancaster, PA
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Visitation
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
119 S Prince St
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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Services
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
10:00 AM
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
119 S Prince St
Lancaster, PA
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