Tributes

Angel Antonio Velásquez, otherwise known as Pito was born June 18th of the year 1973. Born in the “windy city” of Chicago, Illinois living a beautiful long 50 years of life. He was the best father to four amazing children, his first born being his 20-year-old son Jonah Thomas Velásquez, following in next was his gorgeous 19-year-old daughter Mia Ryan Velásquez, followed by his outgoing 12-year-old son Phoenix Brayden Velásquez and sweet 9-year-old little Harper Mae Velásquez. He was a loving husband for 23 adventurous years of marriage to Jennifer Vera Velásquez, married July 15th of 2000 at Wolf Lakes in Sanger, California. Beloved son of Migdalia Rivera and Angel Luis Velásquez, with the best bonus mother, Adelita Velásquez. Older brother of Elizabeth (Jorge) Gavillan, Andre (Eryn) Velásquez, David (Valerie) Agosto, Juan (Lilli) Rivera and Maria Teresa Burgos. Super Uncle to Katelyn McKenna, Chloe Cooper, Madison McKenna, Vance Cooper, Kai Larson, Reece Larson, Adelle Agosto, Alec Velásquez, David Agosto, and Austen Velásquez. Loving cousin to a few dozen others and the son and brother-in-law of Darlene Larson, Tom Larson, Jaime (Ryan) Cooper and Kelly (Mercedes) Larson. As you can see Pito not only has a huge family but also an overwhelming abundance of love. If you didn’t know, a fun fact is the meaning behind his nickname roots from the Spanish word “Pito” meaning to whistle, since anyone who knew Pito knows he’s been whistling since he was a baby. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology followed by a master's degree in business administration, attending The University of Miami, Fresno State University and Grand Canyon University. He worked for the Clovis Police department as a Corporal, receiving a medal of distinction for entering a burning building to save lives from inside. He also received a unit citation while he was on the SET team. Once he participated in a competition called The Voice of the ocean singing “Mustang Sally,” he was the best obviously in everyone’s opinion. Pito was a fearless leader, always taking charge when it came to family events, serving his church, working, and protecting the community with pride. He was so smart, the smartest around. He somehow always found a way around things and knew how to problem solve when others could never figure it out. He was a gentle giant; goofy many might say. He always knew how to make you laugh or smile and as everyone can agree, he had the greatest, most mighty laugh on the planet. He had a nickname for everyone, and he loved others so deeply. As the oldest brother he was always leading the pack, teasing, loving, protecting, teaching, and nourishing his siblings but truly his greatest trait and accomplishment of all are his children and becoming a father. He helped raise four strong, funny, and talented kids. They are his pride and joy to the end of time. So, with all these beautiful things let’s take a moment to cherish and appreciate not only the person Angel was but the life he lived, especially as a father. Then turn and give a hug to a loved one, an Angel hug to be exact and bask in that moment because you never know when it will be our last. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Well Community Church, 325 Nees Avenue, Clovis, CA 93611 at 10:00 a.m. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Tributes

Cpl. Angel Antonio Velasquez

June 18, 1973 - April 25, 2024