Virgilio "Virgil" Velarde

Virgilio "Virgil" Velarde went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 15, 2022. He was born on February 11, 1955 in the Philippines to Jose Velarde and Adela Arenillo. Virgil and his youngest sister Amor traveled to the United States in 1982 to seek a better life and pursue the American dream. One of his proudest moments was when he received his U.S Naturalization Citizenship in 1987 in Fresno with his youngest sister Amor.

He worked for Ridgecrest Daily Independent and Gazette Journal in Reno, Nevada newspaper company. He was always kind, loving, and fun to be around. Shortly after arriving here, he was able to petition, the love of his life, Norma Villanueva and were married for the next 40 years, until she passed away in 2007.

Virgil and Norma have been devoted catholic. They attended daily mass and holy hour adoration in the blessed sacrament chapel at St. Ann Church, and Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Chapel China Lake for many years. He enjoyed laughing and spending time with his family and was long life Lakers fan for 40 years.

He remarried and survived by his wife, Conchita Tino. He has five sisters, Lydia Caabay of Chino Hills, CA. Pura Taylor, Ridgecrest Ca. Amor Canonigo Ridgecrest Ca, Emerita Jacinto, Corazon Borromeo, Philippines and one brother Nib o Velarde, Philippines. He leaves behind his much loved cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family & friends. Funeral Service mass will be held on September 29 at 10 AM at St Ann Catholic Church. Rosary: 9AM Reception at Msgr. Kevin Cleary Hall immediately following