PATRICK W. VELASQUEZ
2018 Bishop's Awards Honoree - Lifetime of Service to the Community

“My Catholic faith brings hope and comfort in all things. There is nothing in this life, good or bad, that I cannot either be thankful for or turn to God for help in coping.” 

Patrick Velasquez found his calling to serve the Church as a lay person simply by showing up. He decided to attend Ministry Day at St. Bernadette’s because he had been wondering how he could serve. He stopped by the lector table and signed up. That simple act of applying his signature to a paper was the catalyst to seeing other ways he could serve. Soon after serving as lector, Patrick became an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and then eventually was asked by Msgr. Moore to chair the Pastoral Council. He has also served as a Bishop’s Ministry Appeal chairperson and spokesperson. In addition, he was the leader for the Good News People and Arise program, as well as on the School Advisory Board for St. George’s School. He just keeps showing up, and his parish and its people have been blessed by his presence. “The parish is truly a second family to me. “My wife and I find much love and joy in our parish life.”

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Patrick grew up on the Monterey peninsula, as his father, a sergeant major, was stationed at Fort Ord. Patrick graduated early from Seaside High School and went from working in a grocery to a motorcycle and car dealership, and has been in sales or management of that industry ever since.

Chase Chevrolet has been Patrick’s place of employment since 1997. He is currently property manager and assistant to the president, John Chase. Over the last 30 years Patrick has been recognized four times as a Chevrolet Legion of Leaders, five times as a Chevrolet Mark of Excellence, and received the Society of Sales Executives award four times. When asked his secret for achieving multiple honors, he replies, “I treat people the way I want to be treated.” He is grateful to Mr. Chase as he encourages Patrick to serve the community, citing his motto: “If it comes to you, it must go through you.”

In addition to his service to St. Bernadette’s parish, which was recognized with an award to Patrick and his wife Gail in 2015, he is currently on the board of the Better Business Bureau of Sacramento, and served on the Pacific Athletic Foundation. He is presently the board chair of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation of San Joaquin. He is past president of the Stockton Pacific Rotary, where he is currently treasurer. The Stockton Pacific Rotary gave him the Dan Walker award (Rotarian of the Year) in 2018.

His work on councils includes St. George’s School and the American Cancer Society – Stockton, which he has also served by chairing two gala dinners, as well as having served on the Leadership Council, which supports the Children’s Home of Stockton with annual Rotary Club BBQ’s. Patrick was also quite involved with the Lodi Kiwanis Club as past president and was given the Member of the Year award in 1985. He was an Ambassador for the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, too.

Gail and Patrick have been married since 1981. They were introduced by a mutual friend, although they did not know the purpose of the meeting. They have a happy menagerie at their home, while also feeding possums, raccoons and any strays. ”Our vet said when animals come to our home they come to heaven.” It is fitting that St. Francis of Assisi is Patrick’s favorite saint. “I have called on him often.” Patrick has two brothers, Joe, now retired, and Albert a principal. He lost his sister Kathy, 45, to a brain hemorrhage and his mom to a car accident at age 44. His dad, who was a 4th degree Knight, was still attending Knights of Columbus meetings at age 84.

Matthew 8:5-13, where Jesus cures the Centurion’s servant, is very meaningful to Patrick. Patrick urges youth to listen to the Spirit within them to guide them through whatever will comes their way. “With Him, you have everything you need to make good decisions. If you listen, He will show you the path to take.”

“My Catholic faith brings hope and comfort in all things. There is nothing in this life, good or bad, that I cannot either be thankful for or turn to God for help in coping.” Patrick Velasquez has demonstrated a lifetime of service to the Community, one that has brought hope and comfort to so many others.