Obituaries

Manuel “Manny” Velez was born to Antonio Velez and Victoria Arzola Velez on July 23, 1946 in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Manny had 4 sisters, Carola Rivera, Martha Velez, Theresa Velez Pagan, Joanna Velez and an identical twin brother, Antonio Velez. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Antonio and Victoria Velez, his twin brother, Antonio Velez and his sister Carola Rivera.

Manny lived in Puerto Rico until the age of 6 and always fondly remembered a happy life with his siblings, many Tio’s, Titi’s and cousins. He adored his abuela Chita, his father’s mother. Manny was affectionately called “Nelo” and “Nelito” by his Puerto Rican family. He was very proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and loved Puerto Rican cuisine, some of his favorites being Arroz con Gandules, habichuelas and pasteles.

His father was a career soldier in the U.S. Army and as children they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, including spending two years in Germany. Manny learned German during that time and developed a love for travel and other cultures.

When Manny was 11, the Velez family settled in Manhattan, NY. He was active in NYC Boys Club where he met his best friend and brother, Milton Santiago. Manny was hired at 12 years old to create and deliver floral arrangements to different synagogues in the city which birthed his lifelong love for botany. Manny graduated from Seward Park High School in September, 1965. He attended New York City Community College where he graduated with an AA degree in October, 1973.

In 1966 at the age of 20, Manny was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Given the unique circumstances of being a twin, his brother Tony served first and Manny followed immediately after, deploying to Vietnam in 1968. Manny was trained in Vietnam to become an M-60 machine gunner, a position in which he served 11 months. He survived 13 fixed battles and innumerable minor skirmishes. He was decorated numerous times for heroism.

It was shortly after arriving in Vietnam that Manny would meet another machine gunner, a young Apostolic man named Victor “Chief” Lopez. Unbeknownst to him, this friendship would change the course of his life forever. Although their friendship would be a brief one, it would remain one of the most cherished friendships of Manny’s life.

Victor would prove not only to be an expert soldier but a tenacious witness of the Acts 2:38 message. He explained the plan of salvation many times to Manny. He doggedly witnessed to Manny as often as he could simultaneously teaching Manny how to be a successful soldier. Chief and Manny formed a deep bond and brotherhood and one was never seen without the other. Manny recalled Chief saying; “You are going to be a star on my crown.” Chief was killed in action but his death was not in vain as his testimony left an indelible mark in Mannys life and the seed of the oneness gospel was planted deep into his heart.

Manny survived the Vietnam war but his experiences during that time changed him drastically. Upon returning to the states in 1969, one of Mannys first endeavors was to keep his promise made to Chief to meet the Lopez family. And like his initial meeting with Chief, the Lopez family immediately embraced Manny who became like a son and brother to them. Coupled with meeting the Lopez family, Manny was introduced to the Apostolic movement as a whole and he would go on to meet many believers who would play a pivotal role in his salvation.

Manny returned to New York in 1971 with a hunger to know more of God. Although he searched out many faiths, none could satisfy the hunger in his heart. It was during this time his path crossed with a home missions pastor and wife, Robert and Minnie Martinez. They taught Manny bible studies and invested time and love. Manny was baptized in Jesus name on May 14, 1971. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost a few months later during a Billy Cole crusade in Bronx, NY. He immediately became immersed in children’s ministry and often drove the church van to pick up members and visitors. His walk with God deepened during this time and he shared the gospel with anyone who would listen.

Manny was casually introduced to Elizabeth Sanchez at a wedding in June, 1972 by Bishop Daniel Sanchez, her older brother. A few weeks later they re-connected at the Apostolic General Convention in Bakersfield, California. He returned to New York with Elizabeth’s address and phone number to keep in touch.

Without fail, Manny would write to Elizabeth daily and would call her once or twice a week.

In June of 1973, he asked for her hand in marriage and they were engaged by July. They married December 1, 1973 in Elizabeth’s hometown, El Centro, California. After their honeymoon they returned to New York to start their new lives. They were very active in their NYC home missions church and grew together as husband and wife. In July 1974, Manny was ordained as a licensed minister in the Apostolic General Convention in San Diego, California.

Manny and Liz welcomed their first son, Marc Anthony on December 5, 1974. A few months later, Manny accepted a teaching position in Union City, California at the Apostolic Faith Academy, under the leadership of Bishop Adam Lopez. Their second son, Manuel Andrew was born August 15, 1979. Their surprise baby, Michael Adam was born October 20, 1987 and their family was complete. Manny and Liz were blessed with two beautiful daughter-in-laws, Stephanie Prendez Velez and Serena Zuniga Velez and 5 beautiful grandchildren, Marc Anthony Velez Jr, Olivia Grace Velez, Zion Lukas Velez, Justice Steven Brave Velez and River Roane Velez.

The Velez family attended the Union City Apostolic Church under the leadership of Bishop Adam Lopez. They were faithful members for 22 years. Manny was the secretary of finance, a Sunday School teacher, a school teacher at the Apostolic Faith Academy and willingly served in many other areas

Manny began working for Alameda County as an eligibility worker and later became a social worker and an advocate for foster children and adoption. He was passionate about helping others and protecting children. He excelled at his job and saw it as a ministry. He developed very close friendships with his co-workers during his time with the county. Manny retired in December 2012 after 26 years of serving Alameda County.

The Velez family began to attend First Church of San Jose in 1997 under the leadership of Bishop Jimmy Shoemake and later, Pastor Jonathan Shoemake. Manny and Liz started the Spanish translation ministry in 2001 and helped it flourish for 16 years. The Spanish speaking community always held a special place in Manny’s heart and his love for souls helped him become an attentive Care Pastor.

Manny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in June 2017. He and Liz made the decision to attend Revival Tabernacle, Niles District in Fremont, CA as it was in close proximity. Elder Steve Kerr was their Pastor for their first 3 years and currently, Pastor Daniel Gillespie.

In the midst of Manny’s Alzheimer’s sickness, his church family became a strength and refuge to him. Many loving members often lent a helping hand to Manny in any way they could. Though Manny’s memory faded, he never forgot the presence of God and would often be seen worshipping in every service.

Manny loved reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Manny will be remembered as an avid worshipper, loyal minister, a friend to all. He played a big role in helping people find restoration in God. He saw potential in people when they couldn’t see it in themselves. He often said; “Just love people” and he demonstrated that so well. His loyalty to his God, his country and his family were unmatched. We will always remember him as a man of noble character, always with a smile, the most infectious laugh, kind and generous, a beautiful Christian and a hero to his family.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” - II Timothy 4:7