Alexander Velasco

Alexander Velasco, Sr., 99, of Westland, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2019. Born January 15, 1920 the eldest living son of Ignacio and Maria de Jesus (Contreras) Velasco of Detroit, MI. Alexander grew up in Detroit, Michigan, during the Great Depression and was taught that receiving an education was crucial to succeed. He was determined to go to college. After serving forty months in the Air Force during World War II, he made use of the Educational Benefits provided by the GI Bill and attended Wayne State University. He obtained a BA degree in Liberal Arts, a Masters degree in Education with a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate, and a few years later an Elementary School Teaching Certificate. He worked as a third grade teacher and high school Spanish teacher for fourteen years before he earned a Masters Degree in counseling from Indiana University. He finished his career as a high school Language Arts teacher and guidance counselor for Detroit Public Schools. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Rosina (Purpura) Velasco, they were married on December 18, 1943 at St. Michael Church in Buffalo, NY, son Raymond Velasco, brother Peter (Kathleen) Velasco, brother Robert (Rose) Velasco, brother Richard (Joan & Maria) Velasco, brother John (Lois) Velasco, and brother Rudolf Velasco and his significant other, the late Rene Flesher. He is survived by five children, Alexander (Charmaine) Velasco of Troy, MI, Gloria (Ralph) Mason of Dewitt, MI, Edward (Sandy) Velasco of Lapeer, MI, Margo (Michael) Moulton of Clawson, MI, and Mary (Ronald) Umfleet of Westland, MI; Daughter in law, Virginia Velasco of Westland, MI; Brothers, Arthur (Gayle) Velasco of Hiawassee,GA, George (Carole) Velasco of Rochester Hills,MI; Sister Margarita (Rafael) Jimenez, and sister in law Juanita Velasco, 20 Grandchildren and 24 Great Grandchildren. Alexander was a devout Catholic volunteering many hours of his time over many years, on several committees, and clubs at St. Theodore/St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church. He enjoyed reading, stamp collection, researching history and culture, playing cards and chess, but most importantly he loved to spend time with his cherished family and friends. His determination was exemplified by his favorite saying: “Querer es poder ~ If there is a will there is a way”. Visitation Wednesday, December 11th 4-9 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W. (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. Rosary Wednesday 7 PM. In state Thursday, December 12th 9:30 AM until the 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Mary Cause of Our Joy, 8200 N. Joy Rd., Westland. Private Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Penrickton Center for Blind, 26530 Eureka Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Alexander Velasco

January 15, 1920 - December 9, 2019