Roberto Velez Sr.

Roberto Velez Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 19, 2025, at the age of 74, in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family in Stratford, Connecticut. He was born on June 12, 1951, on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, in the town of Camuy. From his early years in Bridgeport, to his later years in Stratford, Roberto carried the warmth of his Caribbean roots throughout his life.

More than just a blue-collar factory worker, Roberto was a wizard with a machine press and could “make those tools sing.” And while he took much pride in a job well done, his priority was always to his family. His love for his wife, Micaela Velez, and his children—Kathy Seda (Eduardo), Rachael Ryan (Shawn), Roberto Velez Jr. (Jackie Babe), Sandra Nieves, and Abraham Nieves (Lya) — was profound. As a father, he guided with wisdom, supported with strength, and celebrated life with unrivaled humor. The legacy he cherished most was that of being a grandfather: Pampa to most, Papa to some, but devoted to all. With 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, he was lucky enough to see many of them grow into wonderful adults, and was blessed to find endless happiness in the time he got to spend with all of them.

Roberto was a lifelong tinkerer. Early dreams of becoming a TV/VCR repairman fueled his curiosity for how things worked and how they could be fixed, and his ingenuity is commemorated in DIY projects across his and his children’s houses. He enjoyed going to the casino with his wife and considered coming home with the same amount of money as a win. He loved strawberry milkshakes and porterhouse steaks but always cooked them well done no matter how many times his son told him medium rare was better. He enjoyed action and horror movies. He built birdhouses for his backyard and wrote “For Wrent” on them. He loved music from the 50s and 60s and had a near perfect memory of where he was when he first heard a song and how much a hamburger cost on that very same day. He learned to play saxophone because he didn’t just want to hear the music of his time, he wanted to make it. He loved going to tag sales and truly embodied the idea that “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Micaela, children Kathy (Eduardo), Rachael (Shawn), Roberto Jr. (Jackie Babe), Sandra, and Abraham (Lya), his thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His siblings, Emilio Velez and Minerva Ramos, along with his adopted children, Anthony Therrien and Karen D'Agostino, also carry his memory in their hearts, cherishing the moments spent together.

Family and friends will gather to honor Roberto at the viewing on October 23, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Funeraria Luz De Paz in Bridgeport, followed by a burial service at Mt. Grove Easton Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Roberto Velez Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will continue to resonate with those who were fortunate enough to know him. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his beloved family and friends.