"Local Boxer, beloved son, brother and father"
LOWELL - Joseph “Cocoa” Velmure, 64, a lifelong Lowell resident, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, at Lowell General Hospital after a brief illness.
A son of the late Joseph H. Velmure and Alice (Gallagher) Greathead of Laconia, NH, he was born on September 8, 1956, in Lowell, where he was raised and educated.
From a very young age, he was was a fighter. “Cocoa”, as he was known, started boxing at Ramalho’s West End Gym as a heavyweight and competed in the Lowell Golden Gloves in the seventies and eighties. He had even shared the ring with none other than Muhammad Ali at one point. His time in boxing changed his life profoundly. “The Home of Champions” was truly a second home to him and his relationship with Mr. Arthur Ramalho made an indelible impact on his life. Mr. Ramalho helped him get his life together, and to become a better man.
He worked locally as a roofer for many years with Machado’s Roofing before his retirement. He was an avid sports, especially of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his daughter; Sandra Medeiros of Lowell; his grandchildren, Isiah Rivera of Tynsgsboro, De’Andre Rivera and his partner, Korina Rosario, of Billerica, Jaiden Medeiros of Lowell, Johnny Gonzalez of Lowell, Calvin Gonzalez of Lowell; his great granddaughter, Milani Rivera of Tyngsboro, his sister, Susan Velmure of Laconia, NH and his brother, Shawn Velmure of Laconia, NH. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Sarah, Jessica, Justin and Jeff Velmure, as well as many friends, including many good friends through Ramalho’s, and his best friend Sean Boyle from Town Taxi.
He was the brother of the late Peter Velmure.
While following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask, all are welcome to attend his visitation on Wednesday May 5, from 4 until 7 p.m.. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852 - 978-458-6816. His Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Anthony Church on Thursday May 6 at 10 a.m. His burial will be held privately. Please visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to send the family a message of condolence at any time.