Frank Blanco

Frank M. Blanco, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes. Frank was born in Fort Collins, on Nov. 15, 1924 to Vicente and Eliza Blanco. He grew up in Fort Collins, graduating from Fort Collins High School in 1942. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He married Pauline Gavaldon Jan. 17, 1958. Frank and Pauline recently celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary. Frank worked for the U.S. Post Office in Fort Collins after serving in the Navy. He served as Postmaster in Leadville, 1973 and Durango, 1974 until his retirement in 1988. During his retirement, Frank enjoyed golf, fishing, woodworking and time spent with family and friends. He served on the Fort Collins Golf Board and was a member of the American Legion. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Vicente and Eliza Blanco; his brother, Augustine; his sisters, Vickie Valdez and Isabelle Gavaldon; and his eldest daughter, Francis Blanco. Frank is survived by his wife, Pauline; and his children, Connie Blanco, Sam Blanco and his wife, Karen, Bob Blanco, Dave Blanco and wife, Janice, Emily Clark and husband, Larry, JoAnn Brooks and husband, Brian, Mary Kaltenberger and husband, Steve; and his brother, Jose Blanco; all residents of Northern Colorado. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; numerous nieces; nephews; and a special friend, Ernie Benton. The family would like to thank the Fort Collins Dialysis Center and the Centre Avenue Health and Rehab Facility for their kindness and good care of Frank. A celebration of Frank's life will be held at Blessed John XXIII University Center 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2009. A private interment with Military Honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will be held at Grandview Cemetery. Frank will be greatly missed by his beloved family and many close friends. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com