- Date Of Birth: May 2, 1964
- Date Of Death: May 23, 2023
- State: New Mexico
Joe Fatima Velasquez (59) passed away quietly in his Las Cruces home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Joseph was born in Roswell, NM on May 2, 1964 to Joe Velasquez and the late Esperanza Kamees Velasquez. Many knew him as Baby Joe and as time passed, he preferred Joseph or Joe F.
Joseph’s life began with a long list of physical barriers and a life expectancy of no more than 5 years.
At the age of 3, deaf, tube fed and unable to walk unassisted, he was already able to lace and tie his own shoes! Ability to do that at this age, another Dr. would state, “he might be a genius.” This statement proved to be true. As he aged, it became clear that he was a quick learner and definitely mechanically inclined! Many of us would half-jokingly say he was a mind reader. He was extremely intuitive and definitely had a sixth sense. Even with limited language skills, and very few family members who knew sign language, he seemed to know what you wanted or needed before you tried asking.
He also enjoyed time with his Uncle Ryc and Diane Velasquez irrigating, mowing, helping with carpentry and feeding the animals. There, he would typically say he was hungry before leaving so that he could complete the day with a family meal. Finally, he enjoyed going to church and took pride in dressing up and being part of passing the collections basket at St Johns Church.
Josephs hobbies included riding the four-wheeler and being the neighborhood watchdog, playing on his Xbox, and face timing family members several times a day. He also loved caring for and acting as protector to younger family members, especially toddlers.
On May 6th he celebrated what would be his final birthday and it was grand! Upon arriving in Roswell from Las Cruces, he opened the doors to his uncle Ryc and Diane’s barn and lit up seeing the beautiful decorations and many people he loved waiting inside. After greeting many with hugs, a few with lighthearted scolding’s, and a gentle nalgada or two, he quickly took the little ones for four-wheeler rides around the property he knew so well. While opening gifts he made sure pictures were taken and his iPad was videotaping. He loved the limelight and keeping record of every special occasion big or small!
Our deepest thanks to Sandra Zamora and all who helped in organizing such a beautiful event! Thank you also to everyone who attended! The joy he showed on his special day was priceless! It meant more than you know!
Joseph’s immediate survivors include his father, Joe Velasquez; sisters Corina Reynaud and husband Richard Reynaud and Lorina Lucas and husband, Dr. Matthew Lucas; nieces Taylor Reynaud, and Hannah Reynaud and nephews Anthony Samario Jr., and Donovan Lucas.
Our sincere gratitude to his aunt Martha Romero, who acted as second mom with many daily needs including home cooked meals and time away from home after his mother passed.
