Rolando Velazquez

Rolando Velazquez

Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, and Grandfather, 72

Mr. Rolando Velazquez, 72, of Bridgewater, NJ, formerly of Newark, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Morristown Memorial Hospital.  Visitation will be at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley, 540 Franklin Avenue on Friday, November 27 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.  There will be graveside service celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington on Saturday, November 28 at 11:30 a.m. with military honors.

Rolando was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico and resided in Newark, NJ for 67 years before moving to Bridgewater one year ago.  He was the principal investigator for the Essex County Public Defender’s Office, Newark for 25 years before retiring in 2007.  Rolando earned a Degree of Associate in Science in 1972 from Essex County College, and earned a Degree of Bachelor of Arts from Shaw University in 1974.  He served his country proudly in the United States Army for four years being honorably discharged in 1971 .

Rolando was the first Hispanic appointed to the Newark Housing Authority serving as a Board Member for five years, and as Chairman for one year.  He served as Manager of the Newark Board of Education’s Board of Affairs; served ten years on the Greater Newark Urban Coalition; and was also a member of Aspira, Inc. of NJ, and La Casa de Don Pedro.  Rolando was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Belleville.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Maria Magdalena (nee Fuentes) Velazquez; his devoted children Theresa Marie Mercado and her husband Abner, Rolando Velazquez , Jr. and his girlfriend Jasmin DeJesus, Gabriel Velazquez and his wife Victoria, Richard Velazquez and his fiancée Stephanie Velazquez; his loving brother Jose Velazquez and his loving sister Jan-Marie Roth; and also his cherished grandchildren Jeffery Eric Estrella, Gabrielle Joi Mercado, Lillian Velazquez, Michael Velazquez, Owen Gabriel Velazquez, Precious Mercado and Vanessa Mercado.

Rolando is predeceased by his daughter Nicole Velazquez and his parents Jose N. and Maria (nee Santana) Velazquez.

For anyone who may not be able to attend the visitation or Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., the family is offering a zoom meeting, the information is below.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83724712040?pwd=WWNLUE1JWkdFS0RYNWpVbkRNZ29tZz09

Meeting ID: 837 2471 2040
Passcode: 047492

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic and occupancy limitations, visitors are asked to pay their respects and then immediately exit in order to allow others the opportunity to enter the building. Visitors are also required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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