On Saturday, April 9, 2005 La Casa De La Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena sponsored a memorial tribute for three La Casa members who'd recently passed away: 18-year-old David Velazquez, Jr., and senior members Narcisa Méndez-Rivera and Agustín Ortega Pérez. "We were especially saddened to learn of young David's death," said La Casa's Executive Director, Otilio Diaz, "He was one of our most enthusiastic cuatro students." David died suddenly from an asthma attack on February 18, 2005.

The memorial was attended by David's family and fellow cuatro students, and friends and relatives of Narcisa and Agustín. The program included poem recitals by Hilda Rivera-Pantojas, Anita Vélez-Mitchell and Otilio Diaz. A special sermon and prayer was conducted by the Rev. José Lantigua, and family members – John Méndez, Maria Ortega Pereiro and David Velásquez, Sr. – shared heartwarming stories about their loved ones.