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WILLIAM BLANCO Obituary
May 4, 1960 – Sept. 3, 2024
William or Bill Blanco, as he was known to many, went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2024. William was born on May 4, 1960 in El Paso, Texas, to Mario and Stella Blanco. Bill spent part of his childhood in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Moorpark, until his family ultimately settled in Ridgecrest, CA.
After graduating from Burroughs High School in 1978, Bill entered the workforce taking a job with Contel Telephone Company as a telephone operator. He then went on to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Upon graduation, he returned to Ridgecrest to work for China Lake Weapons Center as a logistics specialist.
While in college, Bill met the love of his life, Norma Mora, while studying in the library. Happily together, they were married for 37 years.
In 1987, Bill went to work for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Agent for the El Centro Office. After working at the IRS for several years, he decided to make a career change. He received his Teaching Credential from San Diego State University and became a junior high science teacher at Barbara Worth Jr. High in Brawley, CA. He was passionate about his job, working relentlessly and never looking back.
As a 7th and 8th grade science teacher of 25 years, Bill taught GATE, bilingual science, and general science. He was a master teacher, a role model, and a friend to many. Bill's compassion and dedication remained unwavering throughout his tenure. He was a person who deeply cared about the success of his students and the community.
Bill found pleasure in outdoor activities such as cycling, shooting, hiking, and traveling. He also enjoyed going to casinos to watch his favorite 70s bands. One of his favorite joys in life was riding his Harley to the Lazy Lizard Bar, where he enjoyed a cold beer.
Bill was a member of the Imperial Valley Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, and a lifetime member of the NRA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Stella Blanco, and his in-laws, Jose and Maria Mora. Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Norma Blanco, and his children, William Blanco Jr. of Imperial, and his daughter, Brittany (Felipe) Solorzano Blanco of Tucson, AZ. He also leaves behind a brother, Henry (Maria) Blanco of Ridgecrest, CA; sister, Alice (David) Terrazas of New York; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill will be remembered for his kind heart, free spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hems Mortuary in El Centro, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM BLANCO
Sponsored by Hems Brothers Mortuary.
Jim Marshall
September 27, 2024
Norma, wishing you and the rest of your family, strength and peace. I always enjoyed the conversations I had with Bill.
Roseanne Solano
September 25, 2024
To the family of Bill Blanco, please know that I am praying for your peace and comfort. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Blanco for several years at Barbara Worth. He was a very kind, respectful and caring man. May he Rest In Peace
Max Zinn
September 23, 2024
A loving family man, wonderful teacher, excellent mentor, and true friend. I will always remember him and the afternoon talks, laughs, and life advice he shared with me over the time I was able to work with him. Sending my love and prayers to the Blanco family.
Christopher Marcus
September 23, 2024
Norma, So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May peace be with you always.
Christopher - Nelva Marcus & Family
Rudy C. Arellano,
September 23, 2024
I first met Bill in downtown San Diego where both Bill and my oldest brother worked as IRS agents.
Bill was very courteous and presented himself with a Kind and serious demeanor.. He showed me a picture in 1988 with great pride of his then fiancee Norma and presenting her as the most beautiful lady in California.
I got to know him as he was my brother's colleague and best friend.
As I got to know Bill ,I always admired his love and devotion to his family. Being a man of high ethics ,very intelligent, and hard working, Bill made the switch to Public Education in the 1990s.
He is a hero and excellent role model to the thousands of students he taught.
I always admired his calm demeanor and extreme knowledge of many disciplines.
Thanks Bill for your sincere and unconditional friendship towards my oldest brother ,myself and all your hundreds of friends.
The world is a better place thanks to heroes
Like Bill!.He was simply the Best as a great Human Being!
Bill you are a best friend and hero and you will always live in the hearts and memories of all your loved ones!
In the words of the Great Tina Turner, Bill you are.....
You're simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I've ever met
david rodriguez
September 22, 2024
In loving memory of a beautiful soul. We will see you on the other side and may your family be at peace during this difficult time.
Laura Juarez
September 22, 2024
My condolences to the Blanco family. I met both Norma and William at San Diego University in Calexico.Willam was very friendly, bright and courteous man. Norma and Willam were always together supporting each other and a couple to be admired.
Lina Otero
September 22, 2024
May You Rest in Peace Mr. Blanco, from Otero Family
Lina Otero
September 22, 2024
Mr. Blanco is remembered by me as a sincere intelligent financial savvy advisor. Always sharing his valuable knowledge and at times recounting some of his life lessons while he waited for his wife -Norma - we had many chats afterschool at Barbara Worth Junior High discussions about how our day went and other life experiences- Mr. Blanco will be Truly missed, sending a strong felt hug to his wife Norma Blanco Familia Otero~
Toni Yturralde
September 21, 2024
Dear Blanco Family, and friends, Bill was a loving husband and father. A talejted and dedicated teacher. Norma I am my sincere sympathy. Bill was intellugent and fun, it was nice to see such a devoted couple. May your happy memories comfort yoi all during this difficult time.
Sylvia Estrada
September 21, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss.
Prayers and our condolences to you all... May he Rest In Peace.
From the Estrada family
Rick Scott
September 21, 2024
RIP Bill, it was a pleasure seeing and speaking with you daily when we worked at BWJHS!
David Terrazas
September 21, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon
September 21, 2024
Will, Brittany and family Ian so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Prayers for you to find peace in knowing he us at rest now. May his memories stay with you as a positive reminder of his love.
Peace be with you.
Linda Macken
September 21, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years at BWJH. Bill always had a pleasant greeting and was a kind man.
.My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Bill Blanco
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