Rafael Velador

Rafael Velador, of Rancho Cucamonga, California passed away on Wednesday April 4, 2012 in his home. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico to Anselmo and Epigmenia Velador, Rafael was an exemplary son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In the late 1960's, Rafael and Paula made the difficult decision to alternate leaving their children, parents and home town to work in the United States. This sacrifice allowed them to improve their life in Mexico. Ultimately, however, they decided to emigrate the entire family to the Pasadena, California area in the 1970's. Here, they became active members of St. Andrew's Church in Pasadena, California. In the mid-1970s, Rafael finally established the family in Altadena, California and became among the founding members of an active Spanish-speaking community at Sacred Heart Church in the same city. Upon retirement, Rafael and Paula decided to re-establish themselves since most of their children had moved to Rancho Cucamonga, California. Here, they found a home as active members of our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, also in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Rafael only formally studied until the 6th grade in Mexico, the wisdom he exuded was always filled with valuable lessons in psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology, pride, dignity, discipline, respect and integrity. Even without a degree in any scholastic discipline, he always carried himself with the utmost class. It was apparent to all in his behavior, language, the discipline of his children and his relationship with his wife, Paula. His dedication to his faith was rewarded and blessed with a missionary in his daughter, Sister Amparo of Las Hermanas Del Divino Pastor. Rafael is survived by his wife, Paula, daughters Emma Elena, Amparo, Celina, Lula, Alicia and Irma; sons Adalberto, Raudel and Javier; twenty-one grand-children and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at our Lady of Carmel Church in Rancho Cucamonga, California. There will be a procession to his final resting place at Oakdale Memorial Cemetery in Glendora, California, then returning to a reception at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Rancho Cucamonga.