Blas Madrid

Blas Madrid, 99 of Santa Rosa, NM died Saturday, August 28, 2010 at his home. His family was at his bedside. Blas was born February 2, 1911 in Puerto De Luna, NM to the home of Rosendo and Romanita (Chavez) Madrid. He was reared and attended school in Puerto De Luna. Blas served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 804th Armored Tank Battalion he served his country from 1941 to 1945. He participated in significant battles in North Africa, Casino & Po Valley (Italy), defeating German troops in the north at war's end. He was very proud of his service and frequently attended battalion reunions until recently. He married Josefa Abeyta on November 14, 1945 in Puerto De Luna. Blas worked for many years in bridge and building construction. Following his retirement he worked as a handyman, carpenter and plumber. His pastimes included fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his wife Josefa Madrid on August 11, 2008; an infant son Joseph Madrid; his parents; three sisters Dominga Dodge, Vicenta Salazar, Brigida Valverde; three brothers Policarpio Madrid, Toribio Madrid and Escolastico Madrid. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by his four daughters; Catherine Madrid-Ochoa and husband Rudy of Tucson, AZ; Patricia Lopez and husband Horacio of Santa Rosa; Maida Delgado and husband Orlando of Albuquerque and Cecilia Madrid of Topeka, KS; three granddaughters Tana Trujillo and husband Alfonso of Albuquerque; Melissa Gardner and husband Jake of Tucson, AZ; Andrea Salazar of Albuquerque; six grandsons Ben Delgado and wife Geri of Albuquerque; Orlando Delgado and Christina Aragon of Albuquerque; Santiago Delgado and wife Vicki of Albuquerque; Michael Campos and wife Dolores of Tucson, AZ; Robert Lopez of Surprise, AZ; and James Tharp III of Topeka, TX; along with 12 great-grandchildren many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, August 30, 2010 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM. Mass will be celebrated at the church on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 11:00 AM with Father Joseph Thomas CMI officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Ben Delgado, Orlando Delgado, Santiago Delgado, Robert Lopez, Steve Romero and Blas Delgado. Honorary bearers will be all his family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com