Jesus Velez

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – II Corinthians 5:8. Mr. Jesus Velez, 76, of Clemmons, NC, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.  Jesus was born in Puerto Rico on July 20, 1946, to the late Efrain Velez-Rodriguez and Maria Bonifasia Berrios-Lorenzana.

Jesus started his career as a high school resource officer in New York.  In this role he worked closely with the NYPD and school administrators to implement a comprehensive safety plan for the students and staff.  For most of Jesus’s career, he worked as an over-the-road truck driver.  He loved to travel in his “Big Rig” and enjoyed seeing the numerous cities his work required him to visit.

Jesus was a quiet, caring, gentle soul.  He loved his wife Lorraine, who he referred to as his “sweetie” and never left her side.  He had a smile that brightened the room and loved to laugh.  He especially loved his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Frank Garofalo, and brothers, Jose Antonio Velez and Efrain Velez, Jr.  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lorraine DiGiovanni Velez; his children, Sharon Finsteen (Koby), Erik Velez (Barbara), James Garofalo (Janice), Joseph Garofalo, Tony Garofalo, Victoria Garofalo, and Michael Garofalo (Shannon).  Jesus is also survived by his sisters, Maria Velez Bermudez and Blanca Velez Hernandez; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  A service to celebrate Jesus’ life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Center Grove Church with Dr. Steve Corts officiating.  For those unable to attend, the church will livestream the service; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1Y4prBTg6unXR0iBpQMjg The family will receive friends following the service at the church.  Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Velez.