Ernesto “Ernie” Velazquez Leco, beloved son, brother, friend, and community member, went Home with our Lord Jesus Christ after his short battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and unwavering support for those he loved. A native of Cherán, Michoacan, he was a son of Guillermina Leco Durán and Panfilo Velazquez Fabian, both of Cherán, Michoacan. He was preceded in death by his grandpas, Salvador Leco Macias and Abelino Velazquez Hurtado.
A 2015 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School, Ernie was known for his passion for football and the camaraderie it brought him. He carried that same spirit of teamwork and dedication into every area of his life.
A devout Catholic, Ernie was deeply involved in his faith from a young age. He was a youth group leader in the Vicariate of the Asheville Catholic Church and received his catechism instruction locally at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burnsville. His faith guided his actions, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or simply be present for someone in need.
Ernie had many talents and passions. He brought music and joy to many as a DJ through his company, Sonido ECKO, and his creative spirit also found expression in custom woodworking for Heritage Tree Service, owned by Ron and Beverly Chandler. He affectionately called Beverly “Grandma,” reflecting the deep bonds he formed wherever he went.
Above all, Ernie will be remembered for his selflessness. No matter the hour, if someone needed him, he would be there—with a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. His light touched countless lives, and his legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will never be forgotten.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Guillermina and Panfilo; siblings: Laura Velazquez Leco and her husband, Juan Lozada, Isabel, Reynaldo, Alejandra, Salvador, Francisco and Abigail Velazquez Leco, all of Burnsville; his nephew, Christopher Lozada Velazquez, of Burnsville; grandmas: Maria Dolores Duran Siranda and Maria Luisa Fabian Juarez; as well as Ron and Beverly Chandler of Prices Creek. Several other extended family members also survive.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 14th at St. Eugene Catholic Church at 72 Culvern St, Asheville, NC 28804. A second visitation will be held between 4 and 8 p.m. on Friday, August 15th at Yancey Funeral Services, located at 378 Charlie Brown Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 20 Summit St, Burnsville with burial following in the Academy Cemetery. Father Anthony Mbanefo will officiate Mass and burial rites.
Ernie will be dearly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him. Online condolences may be sent to www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
