Fernando Velez
Fernando Velez, Sr., of Santa Barbara, California passed away on November 8, 2024 at the age of 96. He was born on July 18, 1928 in the tiny town of Huetamo, Michoacan, Mexico and later moved to Morelia, Michoacan where he grew up with his brothers and sisters.
Fernando immigrated to the United States in 1956, and quickly and luckily settled in Santa Barbara, where as he would often recount, he arrived at the Carrillo bus station on July 3rd and found a job at the Biltmore on July 4th. At the Biltmore he eventually worked his way up to being a bartender, a career he enjoyed and which included working at many local establishments and private parties, including Mom’s Italian Village, the Little Town Club, Birnam Wood and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
In 1958 he married Vicky Obiols, and together they raised their children Fernando Jr. and Andrea in their home on the Mesa, where he lived until his passing under Vicky’s wonderful care. He was deeply proud of his family and of his achievement in becoming a United States Citizen. His happiest moments were spent in his backyard, gardening, barbecuing and enjoying music from his beloved record collection.
Fernando is preceded in death by his brother Alejandro and very recently his sister Delia. He is survived by his wife of over 66 years Vicky, son and daughter-in-law Fernando Jr. and Luisa, daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Todd Brown, grandchildren Randy, Jennifer (and husband Cory), Emily, Claire and Robert and his great-grandchildren Hadley and Isla. He is also survived by his sister Amparo in Morelia, Michoacan and many nieces and nephews in the US and Mexico.
The family would like to thank Samarkand, Cliff View Terrace and Santa Barbara Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Fernando in his final days.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass to take place at 10:00 am on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, California.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fernando’s honor to Holy Cross Catholic Church or your favorite charity.