Joe A. Berlanga's Obituary
Joe Anton Berlanga passed away at his home with family members at his side on March 3, 2014. Joe was born August 16, 1924, in Mercedes, TX to Aurelia and Leo Onofre Berlanga. Joe was raised in Bryan, TX and was the eldest of 10 children. His family moved around to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas to make a living picking cotton. Joe’s dad pulled him and his brothers out of school to help support the family at age 9. Joe was able to complete the third grade at that time, and had a lifetime love of learning and education. As a young man, Joe worked as a dish washer at Texas A&M and soon after joined the US Navy 1942 and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 as an Electrician’ Mate Third Class. He re-enlisted on March 27, 1946 and honorably discharged on January 21, 1948. Joe was stationed at R/S TI San Pedro, California; NRS Los Angeles and Naval Air Base Orote, Guam. He received the Victory Medal which commemorated military service during WWII. Joe also received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal for serving in Second World War. Joe married Sara Ramos of Juarez, Mexico on January 18, 1960 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They were married for 54 years and started their family in Phoenix, Arizona. They had four daughters, Anna, Rosa, Ema and Josie. Joe had one daughter and two sons from previous marriages, Karen, Tyrone and Arturo. Joe also had 12 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Joe was the center of his family and was a loving, patient and caring man. He is admired and loved by many whose heart he touch and shaped their lives. He gave so much and asked for little in return. He will be missed greatly.
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