Roland Velez

Life doesn’t prepare us for the death of a beloved. Roland Velez left us on Christmas 2025 at the age of 71. He was a cherished member of the City University of New York in various capacities from the mid-1970s up until his retirement as director of admissions at Hostos Community College (2003–2017). Roland’s siblings and cousins loved him very much—he was Bro to many friends.

Born in 1954 in New York, Roland grew up surrounded by family and friends who nurtured a feisty spirit of kindness, camaraderie, and community in the South Bronx. Roland attended Hunter College, where a passion for learning and helping others flourishes and where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

People knew Roland for his steadfast commitment to family, work, and friends. He was a source of strength and support for all who knew him but never a pushover to shysters trying to get one over people. This is what happens when you grow up in the South Bronx. Roland’s dedication to his staff at Hostos touched their lives, and he will be remembered fondly.

Roland is survived by his recent friends at Overture Chapel Hill, especially Karen Evans; Lourdes Bergamini and her children Jaime and Chris; sisters Caroline (Lazaro), Kathleen, and Sara (Joxe); brother Gabriel (Morena); the Velez and Julio cousins; and his countless colleagues and friends in New York City.

He was preceded in death by his father Gabriel and mother Catalina.

At a future date, there will be memorial celebrations in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and the Bronx, New York.

Let us say, it will not be easy to forget Roland. As one of his cousins wrote about his death, “It’s not fair. He was one of the good guys.” Rest up, Bro, for the next good fight.