Victor Velardi

Memorial  Service

Saturday May 24, 2025 at 4:00 pm  Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

  2720 Rt. 28 Shokan

****    Zoom link:  Meeting ID: 89960720850  Passcode: 01151934    ****

Victor C. Velardi, 91, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, in Kingston. Born on January 15, 1934, in Port Chester, Victor lived a life marked by love for People and the great outdoors.  Victor’s early years were characterized by a strong sense of duty and honor, which led him to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957. After his military service his faith was the cornerstone of his existence, guiding his every action and interaction with the world around him.  

Victor was a simple man who didn't need much and was not career oriented . at times he was a self-employed laborer, a testament to his independent spirit and versatility. His work took him on adventures through various industries, from the logging fields to the bat manufacturing plant in Shandaken, the Peakamoose Estate, and as a chimney sweep at the storied halls of Mohonk Mountain House. Victor was a true roamer at heart, with a work history as diverse and rich as the landscapes he traversed.

Victor’s interests were as eclectic as his employment. He reveled in the never-ending beauty of nature, spending his time exploring for hidden treasures, fishing in quiet streams, writing poetry and playing card games with friends and of course a good game of checkers. His was a life lived outdoors, under the vast sky, where he felt most at home.  A “character” in the truest sense, Victor prided himself on never quite ‘fitting the mold.’ He was one-of-a-kind, with a heart that overflowed with love and a propensity to give generously to others. This love was not only directed towards his fellow humans but also towards animals, especially dogs, which he adored and cared for throughout his life.  His appreciation for antiques reflected his love for history and the stories that each piece held. 

Those who knew Victor would describe him as a man of deep faith who could recite many scriptures a man who was sweet, kind, interesting, unusual, resourceful, independent. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and his unwavering commitment to living a life of purpose dedicated to his God Jehovah. Victor’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the quiet strength of a life well-lived. As the sun sets on a life that was as vibrant and varied as the patchwork quilt of his many endeavors, we bid farewell to Victor C. Velardi, a man who truly made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Victor was predeceased by his loving parents, Caesar and Caroline Thomas Velardi, his sister Barbara Doyle, and his brother Thomas Velardi. He is survived by his sister Emily Galbraith , several nieces and nephews, and people, who he made as his family, including Families like the Ripley's the Schoch's and the Harris’s, and a host of many more families and individuals who lay claim to uncle Vic, and who will all miss his presence deeply.

A Memorial Service of Victor’s life will be celebrated May 24th at 4:00pm, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses’ on Rt. 28 Shokan, in a manner befitting the man he was: with stories shared, memories cherished, and the natural beauty he so loved surrounding us all to help comfort his family and friends. You are welcome to share a special memory, photo, or condolence on Victor’s Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

Memorial Contributions could be directed to either:

JW.org https://donate.jw.org/en/USA/home

Hudson Valley Hospice  https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-now/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Victor Velardi, please visit our floral store.