Obituary of Ramon Velasquez

Ramon “Ray” Louis Velasquez, a beloved friend to all, passed away at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington after a 3 week illness. He was only 56 years old. Ray was born in Patillas, Puerto Rico. When he was just a child, his family moved to Woburn. He grew up in Woburn and was a 1979 graduate of Woburn High School. He had worked as a driver for Neiroda Transport and Johnson Roses. He had also worked as a small engine mechanic at Liberty Equipment, Spartan Rental, and Power Tool Equipment Rental. Ray will be remembered as a big man with an even bigger heart. Some would describe Ray as willing to give the shirt off his back for someone else and if he didn’t have a shirt, he would go out and find one. He was all about kindness, family and friends. He loved any time his family and friends were together, whether it was a party or just hanging out. He was concerned about all his guests and was the grill master at any gathering. He has made his home in Tewksbury for the past 25 years, but kept his strong connection to all his Woburn friends. He was a member of the Tewksbury Elks and was Past President of the City Club in Woburn. He enjoyed trips to the mountains of New Hampshire and the beaches of Maine. He returned to Puerto Rico many times for vacations and family visits. He adored his wife Kathy. They were married at St. Malachy’s Church in 1989 and have shared 26 wonderful years together. He also had a special place for his dogs, Paws and Sox. He will simply be remembered for his love and warmth he shared with all his family and friends. Ray was the loving husband of Kathy Ann (Martel) of Tewksbury. He was the son of Ramon Velazquez Laboy of Puerto Rico and the late Patricia Ruiz. He was the brother of William Velasquez & his wife Sandra of Woburn and Ralph Velazquez & his wife Minerva of Flower Mound, TX. He was the son-in-law of Phyllis Martel of Woburn and the late Norman Martel and brother-in-law of Michael & Mary Ann Martel of Del Mar, CA, Maria & Richard Curtin of Millis, Laura & Ted Doucette of Littleton, Ross Martel of Boxboro, and Eric & Melissa Martel of Harvard. He was the beloved uncle of Ralph & Steven Velazquez, Paul & Michael Curtin, Reagan & Lily Doucette, and Colin & Brady Martel. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ramon’s name may be made to Tewksbury Food Pantry, 999 Whipple Rd, Tewksbury, MA 01876, www.tewksburypantry.org or Woburn Social Concern, 2 Merrimac St., Woburn, MA 01801 www.socialconcern.org .