Noel Lee Velarde

Noel Lee Velarde, of Flint, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 62.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Homes – Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, Michigan, with a Rosary service beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2316 Coldwater Road, Flint, Michigan. The family will welcome friends at the church from 10:00 AM until Mass begins. Interment with the Rite of Committal will take place immediately following Mass, at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, located at 4214 Flushing Road, in Flint, Michigan. 

Noel was born on December 23, 1963, in Manila, Philippines, to Manolo and Jane Velarde. Active in the church from a young age, Noel served as an Altar Boy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Flint, MI, and continued to be a lifelong member of multiple dioceses wherever life took him. He graduated from Flint Carman High School in the class of 1981 and continued his education at Baker College in Flint, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and became an occupational therapist. Noel worked as an occupational therapist in both Michigan and Florida. He loved learning and was always interested in furthering his education and better understanding the world around him.

Noel was naturally inquisitive and loved to ask questions. He was quiet and reserved at first, but once he got to know someone, he would open up and let his personality show. He had a wide range of interests and could become deeply invested in the things he enjoyed. A longtime Star Trek fan, Noel especially enjoyed attending conventions, where his shared love of the series brought him many friendships and lasting memories.He enjoyed riding his bicycle and motorcycle, following politics and watching Newsmax, and he genuinely appreciated good food, especially Chinese cuisine. 

Noel loved traveling with his family and especially enjoyed their trips to Chicago. He also had a soft spot for animals and cherished his beloved Maltese, Joey. Above all, Noel loved his family and the people who were close to him. Though he may not have always been the most outspoken person in the room, those who knew him well understood his caring nature, his curiosity, and the unique interests that made him who he was. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Noel is survived by his mother, Jane Velarde; his brother, Manuel Velarde; brother-in-law, Mike Kendall; aunt, Mila; many cousins; and special friends, Naomi and Rick. He was preceded in death by his father, Manolo Velarde; his sister, Lisa Kendall; his brother, Edgar Velarde; and his beloved Maltese, Joey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or the Genesee County Humane Society.

Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.SharpFuneralHomes.com.