ABELARDO NAVARRETTE

1924 - 2016

Abelardo (Al, Bole) Ramirez Navarrette, beloved husband, Dad, Papo, Template of The Greatest Generation passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of 67 years Altagracia Abreo Navarrette his nine children Susana Navarrette Rodríguez (Juan), Christine Navarrette, Abelardo Navarrette Jr., Lourdes Navarrette (Jesse Roseberry), Bernadette Navarrette (Alan Marsh), Annette Coulter (Carl), Carlota Navarrette, Sandra Saucedo (Eduardo), Rebecca Spores (Lee), his eighteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren on January 9, 2016. Abelardo Ramirez Navarrette was born on April 27, 1924 in Sierra Blanca, Texas to Cristobal Navarrette and Anita Ramirez Navarrette and was brother to Raul R. Navarrette and Ruben R. Navarete. On December 8, 1941 the U.S. entered World War II. At the age of 17, Dad joined the Army was assigned to the Company "L", 35th Inf. Div.. He participated in The Normandy Campaign which included the Battle of St. Lo, The Northern France Campaign - the Battle of Mortain, The Rhineland Campaign , The Ardennes Campaign also known as The Battle of the Bulge. On December 13, 1945, Abelardo R. Navarrette separated from the military; he was awarded the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, European Theatre Campaign Ribbon with 5 Battle Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, 3 Overseas Service Bars, Bronze Star for Valor, Bronze Star Meritorious Service and The Purple Heart. Later, Abelardo R. Navarrette received the French Legion of Honor Medal, the highest medal awarded by the French government in preserving the liberation of France and was inducted into the 35th Infantry Division's Hall of Fame in Topeka, Kansas. Abelardo R. Navarrette was presented with Proclamation No. 482, in which he was recognized for his sacrifice during WWII, from the Texas State Senate by the Honorable Texas State Senator Jose Rodríguez and was honored by Fort Bliss in the Veterans Honoring Veterans Gala. Abelardo R. Navarrette's career was that of a civil servant for thirty-five years starting out as a clerk and ending his very successful career as Transportation Division Chief at Fort Bliss, Texas. During his tenure, he was recognized by his customers and by superiors time after time for the efficient, effective and fine service provided to civilians and military personnel. Abelardo R. Navarrette served as President of the 320th Infantry Regiment Assoc., President of the 35th Division Asso. and hosted the 35th Division 87th Reunion in El Paso, served as Chapter Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and as Department of Texas Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Additionally, Abelardo R. Navarrette served as a guest speaker for many years at EPCC, EPISD and YISD on the topic of his personal experience during WWII. He would always share with his audiences, if we have learned anything from war, it is that there is no absolute winner; there are only varying degrees of losers, some lose more than others. He would challenge his audiences by asking that their generation to be the generation that found an alternative to war- a generation that found strategies to negotiate, to mediate for peace. His portrait hangs with other WWII veterans from El Paso at the SISD: Purple Heart Elementary School. On January 16, 1949, Dad married the love of his life, Altagracia (Alta) Abreo Navarrette and they celebrated nine-children, eight daughters and one son, eighteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Together Mom and Dad instilled in their children that education was the pathway to objective thought and opportunity. Dad spent endless hours playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, celebrating everyday as a new day, going to lunch or having a great conversation with his 'FAVORITE' daughter, being with his only son, or traveling with mom and the rest of the gang! There was always activity and energy. Up to the end, our Favorite WWII Veteran enjoyed walking three miles a day and on the days he did not walk he would play a round of golf. He also enjoyed meeting with his former colleagues from Fort Bliss, the Ascarate Senior Golf Assoc., the Purple Heart Assoc. and attending mass at San Antonio De Padua Parish. Dad with your heart of gold, your generosity and boyish smile, we love and honor you. We will miss you, but you will forever be with us in spirit. Be assured that we will remember the wonderful life lessons you helped us discover. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Lone-Star Chapter 393, 2608 Fort Boulevard, El Paso, Texas, 79930-2116. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 8:30 am on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Service under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 1060 Carolina 598-3332.