COPPERTON — Juan Benito Velarde, 88, passed away May 29, 2013. Velarde was born in Santo Nino, N.M. to Manuel and Lorencita Velarde on Nov. 16, 1924. He served in the United States Army and married Dulcinea Giron in March of 1949. Velarde is survived by children Viola Velarde, Juan (Elaine) Velarde, Lawrence (Debbie) Velarde, Milly (Danny) Vasquez, Rudy (Julie) Velarde, James Velarde, Treasa Garcia and Bobby Velarde; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers Epimeno Velarde, Thomas Velarde and Manuel Velarde; sisters Tilla Ortiz, Connie Martinez and Sennie Kaughman; and several nieces and nephews. Velarde was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dulcinea Giron Velarde, sisters Carlie and Rosilla; son-in-law Frank Garcia, grandson Dustin Velarde and great-grandson Lucas Hatley. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
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