- Date Of Birth: March 29, 1935
- Date Of Death: January 20, 2011
- State: Idaho
Antonio “Tony” Velasquez
Antonio “Tony” Velasquez, 75, of Caldwell passed away on January 20, 2011 at the Idaho Veteran’s Hospital in Boise, with his wife and two daughters by his side. Tony was born March 29, 1935 in Oceano, California to Jose and Carmen Velasquez; he was the fifth of eight children. He grew up and lived the majority of his younger years in Turlock, California and attended Turlock High School.
Following High School Tony enlisted in the National Guard and spent five years serving in that branch of the military before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1959, where he spent the next 24 years as a Ground Radar Superintendent. While serving in the military he completed numerous military courses and training, and received many decorations, medals, badges and commendations. Tony proudly served our country in three tours in Vietnam. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1983.
In 1961 while stationed in Warrenton, Oregon he met the love of his life Darlene Hunt. They were married on March 17, 1962. In 1963 the first of their three children, a daughter, Julie was born. Their son Mark was born in 1966, followed by their youngest child, Lisa, in 1973.
Following his military career Tony attended college at Boise State University and the College of Idaho, where he graduated with a B.A. Degree in Education in 1987. Tony then taught at Job Corp in Marsing and Nampa until his retirement from teaching.
Tony was an avid reader and loved to educate himself on all topics. He spoke six languages. On many occasions you could find him in the yard where he spent hours gardening. Tony was a lover of animals, but he had a special place in his heart for the family dog Duchess. He was an athlete as a teenager and young man, but what he most enjoyed was watching his children and grandchildren play and coach sports.
Tony is survived by his wife Darlene Velasquez, his daughter Julie (Alvaro) Molina of Fullerton, California, his son Mark Velasquez of Fayetteville, Arkansas, his daughter Lisa Velasquez of Caldwell, Idaho, his brothers Joe (Connie) Velasquez of Orange, California, and Martin (Rachel) Sanchez of Turlock, California, and a sister-in-law Eva Jo Hunt of Caldwell, Idaho. His also leaves behind four grandchildren; Eric, Nicole, and Mark Molina, and Evann Velasquez, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Paul & Elias, and three sisters Laura, Florence, and Lupe.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Idaho Veteran’s Hospital, especially CLC Hospice, the 2nd floor surgery nurses, LPNs, Doctors, and Social Workers.
