Catalino Ruiz Velasco

Lifelong resident of Alberhill and Lake Elsinore, Catalino “Vel” Ruiz Velasco, 88, went to his heavenly home on Feb. 6, 2017. He was one of six children born to Ramona Ruiz and Jose Velasco.  Born Nov. 25, 1928, in Carrizoso, NM, the family came shortly after his birth to the community of Alberhill, right outside of Lake Elsinore.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Delfina; daughters Vivian (Ray) Carrillo; Veronica Lujan and grandson, Edward Lujan, Jr.; one sister, Luisa Leon, and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Vel lived in one of the Alberhill “campos”, attending Alberhill School and graduating from Elsinore Union High. He served in the Army and fought in the Korean Conflict, earning a purple heart, 3 bronze stars, and several service related medals.  Upon returning home, he went to Barber College and eventually opened his own shop at “4 corners” and worked for about 60 years before retiring.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Frances of Rome, Vel was an usher, member of Knights of Columbus and founded the MASA organization with his wife.  He was a Eucharistic Minister, assisted with the food pantry & feeding ministries, several church fiestas, and loved to help with the parish bingo games.

He loved traveling and taking cruises with his family, and took a pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land in the Jubilee Year, 2000. The group was part of an historic Papal Mass while in Rome. Vel was also a member of S.O.M.I., an Hispanic organization, and the G.I. Forum.

Services will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Wildomar on Fri. 2/17 beginning at 9:15 a.m. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. at the Elsinore Valley Cemetery.

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