Leandro M. Velasco

Leandro Miguel Velasco, well-known international mosaic, stained glass, and portrait artist died on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY. He was 90 years old.

Leandro was born in Cali, Colombia, South America on June 12, 1933. He spent his childhood in Colombia and as an early adult became an art teacher in their local schools. On November 23, 1963, the same day President Kennedy was assassinated, Leandro relocated to New York City. His dream was to be a working artist and live off the proceeds from his paintings, which he found to be very difficult. In return, he accepted a job designing stained glass windows, mosaics, and sculptures and painted in his personal time. His masterpieces include designing three ceiling mosaics at the Immaculate Church in Washington, D.C. and several cemetery mausoleums in New Jersey. Leandro has exhibited in this country and overseas, with shows in Paris, London, Venice, Belgium, Japan, and South America. His stained glass designs appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in December of 1971. In 1985, Leandro moved to the Bainbridge region where he opened a studio in a restored barn.

Leandro is survived by his husband, John Herzog, of Bainbridge. He was predeceased by several brothers.

There will be no formal services.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.