Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer has announced in an e-mail that retired patrolman Robert Velardi died Tuesday, Aug. 29.
Velardi retired Jan. 2, 2017 after serving 30 years patrolling the streets of Holmes Beach. He was hired March 16, 1987.
Velardi started having stomach pains in February 2015 and they were finally diagnosed as pancreatic cancer. He was reassigned to the resource officer at Anna Maria Elementary School. After much treatment, doctors were unsure they could cure him, but when his condition improved after surgery, they said the cancer was gone. Unfortunately, it returned.
“Rob was a member of our family and will be missed by all who knew him,” Tokajer’s e-mail said. “Please keep his family in your prayers.”
A Memorial Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 with a Celebration of his Life at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Condolences may be made to Brown and Sons.