Obituary of Gilberto Velez

Gilbert “Gibo” Velez, 83, of Amsterdam passed away January 19, 2021 at Ellis Hospital. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico on July 7, 1937 he is the son of the late Juan and Maria Luisa Velez. 

Gibo is survived by his loving wife, Lelis Gotay; his daughters, Lucy Velez of Connecticut, Lynn Gotay of Tennessee, Maria Ivette Loghry of Nevada, and Kathy Velez of Connecticut; his five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; his siblings, Gloria Cruz of Connecticut, Milta Velez of Puerto Rico, Maggie Ruiz, Edith Ruiz, Rafael Ruiz, all of Connecticut, and Felicita Rivera of Amsterdam; as well as by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aside from his parents, Gibo is predeceased by his siblings, Anna Ruiz, Lionel Velez, and Idalia Luciano.

During his lifetime, Gibo worked as a machinist for New Britain Company and Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut. He also worked in the maintenance department at the Amsterdam Housing Authority.

Gibo greatly enjoyed traveling to his beloved Island of Puerto Rico throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing dominos, hunting, fishing, and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday January 22, 2021 at 11:15 AM at Historical St. Mary’s Church, 156 E Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 with Fr. Jeffrey M. L’Arche the celebrant. Burial will follow in the family plot of St. Michael’s Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required at all services.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gilberto can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Online condolences may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.