Oscar Velasquez

Oscar Velasquez, 77, a renowned artist, passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Akron, surrounded by immediate family. He was born April 5, 1944, in Pharr, Texas, to Cresencio and Vicenta Velasquez. He married Pam Szymkowski Dec., 1972, and she survives. As part of a family of migrant farm workers, Oscar came to reside in Putnam County in 1953. There, living in poverty, he was like the mythological phoenix that rose from the ashes to paint the world with his colorful watercolor paintings and murals that are displayed across the United States, northwest Ohio, and other parts of the world. After graduation from Pandora-Gilboa High School, Oscar received a scholarship to attend Cooper Institute of Art, Cleveland. Upon graduation, he was hired immediately by American Greeting Card Company. While he rose to direct the design department in six years, he wanted more freedom to do the art he desired to do. He went independent and that launched his illustrious career. As a member of American Watercolor Society, his art was recognized and acknowledged by many prestigious academies and institutions, including being awarded the Mary S Litt medal 1973-1074, High Winds medal 1976, national juror 1978, and the Dolphin Fellowship in 1981. His art is displayed in various museums and institutions, including the Joslyn Museum of Art in Omaha, Nebraska, Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, The Henry Ward Ranger Fund, New York, The Opera House, Abbeville, South Carolina, Self Memorial Hospital, Greenwood, South Carolina, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Toledo, The Lion and the Lamb Peace Arts Center, Bluffton University, Bluffton, and many more. His paintings are featured in "The New Spirit of Watercolor" and "Exploring Color," both by Northlight Books. He was also author of two books "Sketch of the South," featuring notable and recognizable buildings, homes, and scenes of the south, and "Sketches of Home" in Bluffton. He was hired by the art director for the filming of "Sleeping with The Enemy" starring Julia Roberts and Patrick Bergin in Abbeville, South Carolina, to do three watercolors and five drawings of scenes and sets of the movie. He was also a renowned muralist without countless murals in town and cities throughout Ohio and all over the United States. His mural work took him to Subotia, Serbia, to paint a mural promoting "Peace thru the Arts," sponsored by Lion and The Lamb Peace Center, Bluffton College. Oscar was also a musician who entertained in restaurants and night clubs. He was always a quiet person with deadpan humor, except when he took the stage to perform. He would light up the audience with impersonations of Elvis, The Everly Brothers, and others. When he was asked to host a program, he would impersonate Ed Sullivan. He is also survived by six siblings, Cresencio (Suzann) Velasquez Jr. of Utah, Baldemar (Sara) Velasquez of Toledo, Joe Velasquez, of Oregon, Belia (Richard) Spradlin of Vanlue, Irma Ayers of Toledo, Rick (Amy) Velasquez of Ottawa, Emily (John) Semenik of Medina, and Dan (Anne) Velasquez of Leipsic; 26 nieces and nephews; and in-laws, David (Ramona) Szymkowski, Tony (Fran) Symkowski, Mary Ann (Ronnie) Diegidio, and John (Patti) Szymkowski. Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Cresencio and Vicenta Velasquez; sister-in-law, Deb Velasquez; parent in-laws, John and Jane Szymkowski; brother-in-law, Michael Szymkowski; and a niece. Thank you to family and friends for support and wonderful memories. There will be no funeral as requested by the deceased. There will be a memorial celebration of Oscar's life 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Eagles Hall, 135 W. Main Street, Ottawa, and you are requested to wear a mask.