Gabriel Martinez Velasquez

Gabe was born in Morenci, AZ on December 25, 1944 and died suddenly on September 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. He often said that he was he was the best Christmas present his mother ever got.

Gabe grew up in Clifton, AZ before moving to Phoenix as a young man. He spent his entire life working with cars, first as a mechanic and then as an auto detailer. He loved ASU football, the Green Bay Packers and donuts. Most of all he loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Laurie; sons Ramon (Amanda) and Nicholas (Mary Ann); daughter Susan Stewart (Chris); grandchildren Michael Cardwell, Heather Pitney (Nate), Carly Campbell, Elena Velasquez and Nathan Velasquez; sisters Virgie Montes (Milo) and Mona Saarup; and many nieces and nephews. We miss him. We will always miss him.

There will be a Rosary on Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00pm at Ss Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 am, also at Ss Simon and Jude, followed by interment in the Mausoleum at St. Francis Cemetery. And finally there will be a reception back at Ss Simon and Jude in Smith Hall.