Roberto Velasco

Roberto Velasco, 65, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2017, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Viewing will be at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home on Sunday, December 10, 2017, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, with a Memorial Service to follow at 5:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at General Douglas L. McBride Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday, December 11, 2017, 1:00 PM. Celebrate Roberto’s life by visiting www.andersonbethany.com to offer a memory or expression of sympathy for his family. On November 15, 1952, Roberto was born to Ramon A. Velasco and Petra Martinez in Roswell, New Mexico. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1969 to 1973, the latter part of the Vietnam war. Roberto served two years, six months and nine days in combat on foreign soil with the USS Robison (DDG-12) in Guam and surrounding areas. The USS Robison, along with the USS Wilson (DDG-7) and USS Hollister (DD-788) conducted a raid against North Vietnamese ammunition storage dumps on Hon Me Island. The U.S. Navy shore bombardments along the North Vietnamese coast were part of the overall Linebacker I campaign to stop the North Vietnamese offensive against South Vietnam. Roberto was honorably discharged from the Navy with a National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, a Combat Action Ribbon and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Once he was released from active duty, Roberto was transferred to the Naval Reserve where he served for an additional two years in San Diego, California. Roberto was employed for ADT Security Systems and successfully retired after twenty-five years. Roberto also worked with Grinnell Fire Protection Systems, Energy Control Inc, New Mexico State University (NMSU) Voice and Alarm Services ICT and had most recently retired from NMSU, FS Electric Shop as an alarm technician. Those left to cherish Roberto’s memory are his children: Robert Gabriel Velasco (Rebecca Sue) of Jenison, MI, Jodi Montoya Carroll (Sheena); grandchildren: Robert Joseph Velasco, Brandon Robert Willman, Brent Joseph Willman; stepmother, Socorro Velasco; brothers: Israel Velasco (Paula), Enrique Velasco (Ashley); sisters: Diana Velasco, Elena Velasco (Stephen); and numerous nieces; nephews; aunts and cousins. Preceding Roberto in death were both parents: Ramon A. Velasco and Petra Martinez; mother of his children, Janie Juanita Montoya; and brothers: David Velasco, Tomas Velasco and Ramon R. Velasco. The Velasco family wishes to acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this difficult time. God Bless you all. This tribute was lovingly written in honor of Roberto by his family.

Roberto Velasco

November 15, 1952 - November 30, 2017