John A. Velleca, III

John A. Velleca, III, 85, of West Haven, died on September 24, 2021.  Born in New Haven on June 29, 1936, he was the son to the late John and Anna (DeAngelis) Velleca, II.  Survived by his loving wife Joan A. (Ryan) Velleca; sister Noreen (Velleca) Cunningham; children John (Jane) IV, and Paul (Kate Driscoll) Velleca; and grandchildren Aubrie, Krystina, Nicholas (Cailynn Harding), Lauren, Tyler, and Alexis Velleca.  John is also predeceased by his sister Barbara (Velleca) DeLeonardo and daughter Jennifer Velleca. 

John joined the Army National Guard in 1958 as part of the 118th Medical Unit, and then married the love of his life, Joan, on November 7, 1959.  He received his Honorable Discharge in 1964 and returned to West Haven, wherein he founded and operated The Seaside Barbers in West Haven from 1964-1979.  In 1979, he and two general partners founded Opportunities Unlimited, a company focused on investments in the financial markets.  Additionally, he entered the electronics industry in 1980 as a supervisor for AED Corporation, eventually earning the title of manufacturing manager for the Aura Corporation.  He retired from Burton Electronics of Durham, charged with the title of Head of Production and Operations.  John firmly believed in civic duty fulfillment, a testament being his membership of the West Shore Volunteer Fire Department for twenty-five years, serving as auditor and chairman of their finance committee.  Additionally, he served for many years as an officer of the West Haven Lions Club, and as a board of director of the Italian American Civic Association, with specific capacity as chairman of civic welfare.  He enjoyed spending his time with other civic-minded individuals, and felt most inclined to participate in his beloved community.   The West Shore Bowling League, Walter Brennen Horseshoe League, Shore Haven Baseball League, Milford Walkers Group, Sleeping Giant Park Association, Regional Water Authority, Bradley Point Beautification Program and the Men’s Club of Our Lady of Victory Church were particular organizations for which John faithfully and dutifully participated.  He favored his many years of volunteering as an usher for the Shubert Theatre, cheerfully greeting and kindly assisting those he encountered. 

A family man through-and-through, John adored to spend time with his growing family and acquired the greatest sense of joy being with his grandchildren, developing a reputation as the consummate “kidder.”  He will forever be missed by those he leaves behind.

Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, from 4 to 6 o’clock, at the funeral home.  Friends and family are asked to meet directly at church on Thursday for A Mass of Christian Burial, commencing at 10 o’clock in Our Lady of Victory Church, 300 Capt. Thomas Blvd.  Interment will immediately follow in All Saints Cemetery. 

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