John A. Velleca, 85, of Hamden formerly of Robin Drive, East Haven passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Mary Ematrudo Velleca. John was born in New Haven on October 22, 1934 and was the son of the late Carmen and Antionette Ciaburri Velleca. He served his country faithfully in the US Army. John worked for the Southern Connecticut Gas Company for many years until his retirement. After retirement John was the well-known security guard/greeter at the Spring Glen Medical Center, 2200 Whitney Avenue, Hamden and also at the Hamden Surgery and Medical Center, 2080 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. John was a member of the Farnam Neighborhood House, New Haven, he was an alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven and he was proud to have been chosen as a recipient of the Boys & Girls Club Gold Ring Award. He was also a member of the United Way. John was a sports enthusiast and was very active in several area youth basketball leagues and he started the free recreational basketball clinic in East Haven where he coached for nearly fifty years. John’s community service began at age eighteen when he started coaching basketball at St. John the Baptist in New Haven. John would become a Counselor at Camp Cedarcrest, where he met his future wife Mary. John never lost his love for the City of New Haven or forgot his roots in the Hill Section of the city. John was a graduate of James Hillhouse High School and was a member of the Academics 1952 New England Championship basketball team. In the early 1990’s, John partnered with the New Haven Police Department to provide free basketball clinics throughout the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods to offer a safe haven for New Haven’s children. John was from a generation of civic minded, community orientated leaders before that term became fashionable. Those closest to John describe him as generous, loyal and honorable, making him a truly legendary character. John’s real enjoyment was his grandchildren who he loved unconditionally. Father of Lynn V. Sette (Christopher), John D. Velleca, Karen A. Brady (Kevin). Grandfather of Allegra & Kyra Sette, Jenni Velleca, Kayla & Ryan Brady. Brother of Grace Cavuoti and the late Elizabeth Cocco. Also survived by nephews Thomas Cocco, Anthony Cavuoti and niece Lori Cavuoti.
The visiting hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 pm at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue (masks and social distancing required). A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Tuesday morning, June 9th at 11:00 (masks and social distancing required). Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489
My condolences to all of John’s wonderful family. May his kind and gentle heart rest in Heaven.
God bless all of you especially during this difficult time.
Love
Miss Patsy
My condolences to the Velleca family. A true gentleman who I met many years ago working in North Haven and later seeing him at the health facilities. R.I.P. Mr. Velleca
I worked with john at the Gas co. He was a guy that was there to help me when needed. He was my body guard.He would always ask me if every thing was they. I know there he is going. Bye Johney.
I knew Mr. Velleca for almost 50 years. He was my basketball coach at Overbrook school in East Haven. I always considered him as my biggest mentor to this day. He taught how to respect others and be responsible for my Own actions. He was a major influence on many youth in East Haven. He will be greatly missed
Knew John from his Hulls Brewing days. Mom and dad had mom and pop grocery store on Congress ave. and John would buy lunch there – I was maybe 4 or 5 sat on counter – he called me cupcake. Thru the years saw him off and on then at 2200 Whitney ave when I took mom there. Hugged my mom and called me cupcake. Later he couched my grand daughter in basket ball in East Haven. John was always so courteous and pleasant – always smiling. I will always remember him fondly – his loss will be felt by all who knew him and regarded him as the wonderful person that he was.
My condolences to you and your family at this time. Have comfort in knowing that John is in good hands in the arms of angels.
My father David, (NHPD) knew your father for decades and told me what a great guy he was. I became friends with your father from my time in East Haven. A truly decent caring person. I am sorry for your loss.
john,
so sorry for your loss. You will always know how proud your dad was as he watched you climb through the ranks. You were one of the few that actually did the work to merit the rank. God bless an comfort your family. Bob Lawlor sr.
Thanks Lieutenant, I was lucky enough to have good men like yourself to show me the ropes.
Dear John and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear John and Family,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of John and I apologize for being late for sending my condolences. He was my basketball coach in East Haven about 20 years ago at Deer Run School. He was a good influence on my life before going to middle school. A great teacher and amazing person. R.I.P. Mr. (Coach) Velleca