Gregory "Greg" John Velonis

Gregory "Greg" John George Velonis, known to many as Greg, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Bedford, Texas, at the age of 78. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 8, 1946, he was the eldest of 13 children of George and Mildred Velonis.

Greg graduated from Camelback High School in 1964 and attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University. His career in the transportation industry included work with Ryder, Rollins Trucking, and Ruan, as well as serving as a partner in LTS, Inc. He also founded and ran several small businesses of his own. Work brought Greg to Texas in 1980, where he lived the remainder of his life.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Greg built a 1965 Pontiac GTO from junkyard parts and proudly raced it in Kingman, Arizona, later continuing to race after moving to Colorado. He also had a love of fishing, a curiosity for technology, and a deep interest in genealogy. Known for his dry humor, cooking skills, and devotion to family, he was equally remembered for his compassion in supporting Mid-Cities Community Cats through Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return programs.

He is survived by his wife, Cathleen “Cathy” Velonis; daughters Kaiya (Stacey) Velonis (partner Seth Oakley) and Nikki Velonis (husband John Burkett); grandchildren Hunter Velonis (partner Miranda) and Alex Velonis; great-grandchildren Kouta and Evangeline; and most of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen, and his parents.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, from 6–8 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow Friday, September 5, at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Bedford, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mid-Cities Community Cats, P.O. Box 211594, Bedford, TX 76095.  Please go to www.m-ccc.com.