ANTONIO BLANCO

Antonio Blas Blanco, 85, died suddenly on Saturday, August 16, 2014, "Papa" passed away in his home, surrounded by those that he loved. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Hortensia Cadena Blanco and their five children- Anthony Blanco, Sonia Rand (Robin), Sandra Medrano (Ruben), Hugo Blanco (Kelli ) and Cesar Blanco. 10 grandchildren- Misha, Mark, Aja, Aria, Nigel, Nate, Vinnie, Sara, Noelle and Senora. He also leaves behind his beloved pet dog "Nilla." Born on the Beautiful Northern Marianas Island of Saipan on June 13, 1929. Our father lived and served his country proudly. He attended to wounded U.S. Servicemen during WWll at the 369th Station Hospital, until the island was liberated from Japanese occupation. Upon returning to and completing High School "Tony" or "Tan Ton" began four years of service with the United States Commercial Company, providing translation and dispensing relief supplies to the surrounding islands affected by the war. His service to America earned him his US Citizenship, which was one of his proudest achievements. In September 1952, he began 23 years of Honorable military service in the United States Army, where he served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, earning him (2) Bronze Stars for Valor. Tony was fluent in several languages, (English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Portuguese and Chamorro) and spent many years traveling the world with his beloved wife and family during his 23-year military career with stops in Brooklyn, NY, Ft. Lewis, WA, Killeen, TX, Orleans, France, Monterey, CA, Okinawa, Japan, Salina, KS and San Jose, CA until he settled in El Paso, TX in 1973. He was a devoted and loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Neighbor & Friend to all who knew him. While Tony spent his early years traveling the globe, he retired and lived half of this life in El Paso. He had a special affection for all living creatures, but especially his dogs and a pet monkey "George" (while serving in Vietnam), and they all "instinctively" reciprocated that affection. Long known for his staunch and at times vocal political views, he maintained a positive outlook on life and always wore a contagious smile. Tony was a life-long and devout Catholic and served in the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Stephen Peters at 8:00am on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Committal Service will follow at 9:00am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net