Jose Velasquez

Jose (Joe) G. Velasquez passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy illness. He was born on February 1, 1956, in Durango, Colorado, to Dan and Della Velasquez and raised in Ignacio, Colorado. Joe graduated from Ignacio High School in 1974 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for five years.

After his military service, Joe returned to the Four Corners area and began his career with El Paso Natural Gas. He started as a field hand and worked his way up to Director of Operations for the San Juan Basin at Enterprise Products. After leaving Enterprise in 2010, he became Vice President of Operations for Summit Midstream. Joe retired from Summit in 2015 but continued his professional journey as Vice President of Operations for Caprock Midstream until 2018. 

Joe was a dedicated member of his community and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Farmington, where he taught CCD classes, served as a sacristan, and led the church picnic for many years. He also served on the Habitat for Humanity board and used his leadership roles to facilitate charitable donations to community initiatives.  Joe was a guide and participant in the Bi-Fly Tournament for 30 years which benefitted the Four Corners Home for Children.

 He met his wife, Carolyn, in Durango, and they were married on June 11, 1983, at the Fort Lewis College Chapel. They began their life together at Lowry Camp before settling in Farmington, New Mexico, where they raised their family. Joe was an avid fly fisherman, often spending time on the Quality Waters of the San Juan River. He also traveled to Patagonia, Alaska and many other destinations in pursuit of his passion.

A devoted father and grandfather, Joe was a constant supporter of his children's activities, from softball and wrestling to basketball and speech and debate. He traveled extensively across the country and was known for making friends wherever he went. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Della Velasquez; his brother, Tony Velasquez; and his daughter, Teresa Elena. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his children, Nena (Ernest), Nicholas (Carrie), Matthew (Janessa), and Caitlin; his brothers, Mike, Jim, and Arnold Velasquez; and his sisters, Vida (Randell) Brown and Cecilia Velasquez-Robbins; Pete (Kim), Maddox and Addison Valdez; numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind six grandchildren-Mason, Wesley, Keira, Mallory, Charlotte, and Josephine-whom he loved deeply and delighted in spoiling.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11,2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2100 E. 20th St. Farmington, NM. Inurnment will take place immediately afterward at the St. Mary's Resurrection Columbarium. A dinner will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Four Corners Foundation, Four Corners Home for Children, or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Farmington. Honorary pallbearers include Mason Velasquez, Maddox Valdez, Wesley Velasquez, Nicholas Velasquez, Matthew Velasquez, Ernest Natonabah, and Pete Valdez.