Manuel, 84, passed away at his home in Cathedral City, California on Nov 23, 2015. Manuel was born the second oldest child of Agapito and Josefa Velasquez of Palm Springs. Oldest sister Ramona Castrellon, followed by brothers Louis (Wendy) Antonio (Tony) Velasquez and Joe (Cachan) Balderas. He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Celia Velasquez, 2002. He is survived by three children Manuel (Molly) Velasquez, Marlene (George) Haro and Joe (Lilian) Velasquez all of Cathedral City, Calif. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Anthony, Joshua (Manuel) George, Monica, Michael, Alicia (Marlene) Joseph and Daniela (Joe) and six great-grand children, Araeah, Daniel, Sabrina, (Monica) Jayden (George), Charlie (Alicia) Rocco (Daniela). Manuel grew up in Palm Springs and graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1950. After graduation he worked as bricklayer tender. He was drafted into the Army and fought in the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, with two Bronze Stars, United Nations Service and National Defense Medals. Upon his discharge, Manuel returned to work in the construction industry. He worked as union mason for the Bricklayers Local #4 for several years. He helped build many of todays high profile projects, including Annenberg Estate, Dinah Shore home, Bob Hope residence, Red Skelton home, Marx Bros residence, Lily Pons home, Wrigley Mansion Catalina Island, Palm Springs Desert Museum and the reconstruction of the first home in Palm Springs. He founded Manuel Velasquez Masonry in 1977, where he continued to build some of the finest masonry projects in the desert. He was a past member of the Palm Spring American Legion #495, past President of the Comite Mexicano De Beneficencia and the Sociedad Progresista Mexicana, fraternal organizations for the betterment of Mexican-American citizens and educational scholarships for local high school students attending college. Manuel was a hardworking man, who provided for his family and at the same time trying to help his community through service and volunteer. He will always be remembered as a man who always wanted the best from everyone. He demanded and expected all of his work to reflect his dedication to the craft of masonry and he expected no less from himself. He was tireless in efforts to create perfection in all things that he engaged in, whether it is work or pleasure. He loved to play golf, especially with partners in Mexican American Golf Association. (MAGA). He will always be remembered for being the king of our family.
