ELKHART -- Richard A. "Richie" Velasquez, 24, of Ravenwood Boulevard, died at 3:03 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 5, 2008) in Elkhart General Hospital after a motorcycle accident.

He was born Aug. 9, 1984, in New York, N.Y., to Luis R. and Cynthia (Mendez) Velasquez. On Jan. 5, 2008, he married Beth A. Browning in Elkhart.

She survives along with two sons, Jordan A. and Jayden A. Velasquez, both at home; one brother, Luis O. Sanabria of New York; one sister, Christina Velasquez of Elkhart; his mother, Cynthia (Javier) Nieves of Elkhart; and his father, Luis R. Velasquez of New York.

Mr. Velasquez loved to work on cars and motorcycles. He will best be remembered as a fun-loving jokester who always made everyone laugh. Along with his friends and family, he enjoyed life and tried to live each day to the fullest.

He liked all types of music, especially reggae, calypso and salsa, and loved to dance.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Friends may also call one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Friday Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Elkhart. The Rev. Philip DeVolder will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Vincent's cemetery.

Memorials may be given in care of Billings Funeral Home for his children. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.