Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — John J. Velozo, age 93, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026.
John was born on March 9, 1933, in Cambridge, MA; he was the son of the late Catano J. and Anna A. (Freitas) Velozo. He was raised and educated in Cambridge and, following graduation, proudly enlisted in the United States Navy on August 29, 1951. John served overseas for more than two years during the Korean War and, after four years of honorable service, was discharged from the Navy on August 25, 1955. He remained proud of his military service and patriotic throughout his life.
John married Gloria Velozo, and together they made their home in Wilmington, where they raised their family and created many family memories. John was a hardworking and dedicated businessman who owned and operated Velozo’s Food Service for more than forty years. It was truly a family affair, with John and his family working side by side to operate three cafes and a food truck. The food truck, famously known as the “One Stop RT,” served Harvard University in Cambridge and became a memorable part of John’s career.
John was also a proud member of the Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks for many years. He enjoyed participating in lodge functions and most importantly, treasured the many friendships he made along the way.
John knew how to enjoy life. He loved fishing—anywhere and with anyone—and could often be found enjoying a day at the horse races with friends or sitting down for a game of cards with friends from the old neighborhood. In his quieter moments, John got a real kick out of feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. He also enjoyed gardening and had a special talent for keeping everyone’s plants alive wherever he went, a little joke and gift that became one of the many things his loved ones will always remember about him.
For more than twenty years, John shared a wonderful chapter of his life with his significant other, Kathleen O’Sullivan, in Peabody. Together, they made many special memories, enjoying summers at their camp in New Hampshire, annual trips to Aruba, and travels to Nevada and Florida to visit family.
Above all else, family was what mattered most to John. He loved gathering everyone together for lunches and dinners and treasured every opportunity to spend time with the people he loved. His family will remember not only the big moments, but also the everyday moments that made life special—the stories, the laughter, the meals together, and simply being in each other’s company.
Throughout his life, John was known by many loving names: Dad, Superman, Johnny Boy, Papa, G Pa, and Uncle John. Each name represented a different relationship and a different part of the man he was. To his family, he was a source of strength, love, humor, and unforgettable memories.
John was the devoted father of the late John F. Velozo, Doreen (Velozo) Kelleher and her husband, John, of Florida, Dean Velozo, and Scott Velozo, both of Wilmington; loving grandfather of four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his extended Velozo family and many dear friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, August 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, immediately followed by a Funeral Home Service at 12:00 noon. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
Memorial donations in John’s name may be made to American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360. www.lung.org
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