Rafael Velazquez

Rafael "Papi" Velazquez, age 77 of Bridgeport, CT, returned peacefully to the loving arms of the Lord on April 23, 2020. Rafael whom many graciously called "Papi" was born on May 21, 1942 in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. He moved to Connecticut where he met his wife, Margarita. They became one in marriage and remained together for over 59 years. He was employed by Norwalk Dye and Finishing Company, American Fabrics Company, Bridgeport Jai Alai and Brookside Package Store just to mention a few places throughout his life, but he then retired. He enjoyed his wife’s Spanish cooking, fishing, dancing, gardening and entertaining. He was a compassionate person to everyone around him. A family man, whom cared for the wellbeing and growth of his family and investing his life into moments that today are cherished memories which are priceless. Rafael was a simple man and always gave with his heart, we always felt He asked for so little and gave so much. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friends and will be sadly missed by all. Papi is survived by his loving wife Margarita Velazquez, by his sister Alejandrina V. Lopez and predeceased by twelve other siblings: He is also survived by his three daughters Evelyn Westphal, son-in-law Norman G. Westphal of Monroe, Elizabeth Velazquez and her fiancé Curtis Nesmith of Bridgeport, Sonia Rodriguez and his son-in-law Salvadore Rodriguez of Bridgeport, his two sons Rafael Velazquez Jr. of Naples, Florida and David Velazquez and his fiancé Noemi Lugo of Bridgeport. He leaves ten grand-children Jessica Leger, David Westphal, Evelyn Wade and her husband Vance Wade, Tiffany Nesmith, Sonia Nesmith, Julio Solis Jr., Jovanni Solis, Emily Morales, Jason Morales and Ashley Velazquez. He also leaves five great grand-children Vance Wade Jr., Zechariah Wade, Julianna Ramos, Jayda Ramos and Aniyah Gabriel. Mr. Velazquez will be buried in a private ceremony on April 28, 2020. from a Desktop or Laptop computer: Open your web Browser enter zoom.us in the address bar in the upper right corner you will see "Join a meeting" when requested enter the meeting number 2033308081 Password when requested enter 7777 If your joining us via Tablet or Smartphone Go into the App or play store Download the app ZOOM CLOUD MEETINGS when downloaded, enter the application press join a meeting when requested enter 2033308081 and when requested the password is 7777