Obituary of Joseph Velazquez

Joseph “Joey” Velazquez, aged 39, passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home on the evening of Sunday, January 10, 2021, just six days before his 40th birthday.

Joey was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 16, 1981, to parents Roberto and Theresa (Braddock) Velazquez. He spent most of his life in Olympia, Washington, and graduated from Olympia High School. He attended Pacific University in Oregon, where he studied politics and government (with a little theater thrown in for fun).

For his entire adult life, Joey was a dedicated and passionate Program Director at the South Sound YMCA, where he served countless youth for over 20 years. One of his greatest joys came from teaching and mentoring the students in the Youth & Government program. He was a dedicated and vital employee, blessing so many with his warmth, sense of humor, and friendship.

Joey was a sports fan, rooting for the Seahawks every Sunday. He loved to travel, making little and big trips with his family, telling stories as they made those long drives. He loved music, trivia, comics, and anything Star Wars related. He was the cook of the family, a master at the grill, and would share secret tips passed down from his father.

Sensitive and loving, Joey was absolutely and totally devoted to his fiancé, his step-son, and his parents. He was greatly loved by friends and family, who knew him as both a thoughtful listener and a silly prankster. We grieve his sudden, painful loss together.

Joey is survived by his fiancé, Kacey Kimmel; step-son, James Urness; parents, Roberto and Theresa Velazquez; grandmother, Maxine Braddock; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins stretching from the East Coast to Mexico. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Manuel Velazquez and Cecil Braddock; and grandmother, Maria del Refugio Nino.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joey’s name to the Children’s Defense Fund.

Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
 

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