Mr. John D. Velleca, Jr., age 78, of Hope Street, Bristol, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at Grace Barker Nursing Center, Warren.

Born in Fall River, Mass., and a lifelong Bristol resident, he was the son of the late John D. “Red” and Elizabeth (Sanford) Velleca. A graduate of Colt Memorial High School, Class of 1957, Bristol, he attended the Providence Vocational Technical School for mechanics following graduation from high school. 

He served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard for 10 years during peacetime in their “Motorpool.” John was the head mechanic for the Bristol Public Works Department for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement, he was a mechanic for Roger Williams University for 10 years, retiring once again in 2007.

John was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), the R.I. Antique Truck Association and the Model “A” Truck Association. He was a Life Member of the Defiance Hose Co. No. 1 and the Firemen’s Memorial and Welfare Committee of the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department. He also enjoyed working on his gardens around his home.

He is survived by several cousins. Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, are Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at 9 a.m., with a Graveside Service at 10:30 a.m. in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol. Visitation will be Saturday morning only, starting at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Firemen’s Memorial and Welfare Committee, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI  02809. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.