Luis “Louie” Velasco August 26, 1937 – September 17, 2026

Luis “Louie” Velasco, born on August 26, 1937, passed away on September 17, 2026. A resident of Clermont, FL for the past 20 years, Luis lived a wonderful life defined by travel, service, and a deep devotion to his family and friends.

Born at home in the coastal town of Guánica, Puerto Rico, to Francisco María and Josefina Dalmau Velasco, Luis was one of eight children. At the age of 6, Luis and his family journeyed from Puerto Rico to New York. After arriving in the Bronx, Luis quickly learned English and spent his youth playing stickball, delivering newspapers, building his own scooters and learning to repair bicycles. Luis earned his high school diploma from Morris High School in the Bronx.

Luis proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he worked on the assembly line for the Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, NJ. He later transitioned into international sales management and ultimately found his calling in the fashion eyewear industry where his career took him across South America, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean. He took his family on many trips so that his children could experience different cultures and ways of life.

Luis met the love of his life, Juana, in 1961 and they were married on November 9, 1963. Their wedding reception was so much fun that friends and relatives pooled together money in a donation hat to keep the live salsa band playing late into the night. Luis loved to dance. He would compete in local dance competitions, often coming in first or second place and earning himself the nickname, “Cha Cha Louie.”

Seeking a beautiful setting to raise a family, Luis and Juana moved to Spotsylvania, VA and Iselin, NJ before settling in Edison, NJ. Luis had ambitions to start his own eyewear distribution company, so once the children were grown, Luis and Juana moved to Florida to start this new chapter. First in Miami, then building their dream home in Clermont, FL. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Luis would often put Juana on the back of his Harley-Davidson and explore Florida, from St. Augustine to Key West. Luis fulfilled a lifelong dream by riding cross-country to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

Luis loved bringing joy to people and was always willing to help someone in need. He will be remembered for his sentimental heart, his great parties and his love for his family and friends.

Luis was the final surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by his parents, his five brothers (Jaime, John, Franco, Nelson, and Rafael) and his two sisters (Lydia and Lesbia).

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Juana (Caban) Velasco; his three devoted sons, Luis (Ann) Velasco, Jr., Stephen Velasco, and Robert (Kristen) Velasco; his three cherished grandchildren, Solana, Alena, and Jordan, who brought him so much pride and joy, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Clermont, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Luis’ name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring his spirit of helping those in need.