OBITUARIES

Antonio Mares 97, Brawley

Tony Mares passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2018.

He was born on February 1, 1921 in Brawley to Gumercindo and Ignacia Mares.

He served in the United States Army starting in March of 1943 and was honorably discharged in December of 1945. He served in Belgium, France and Luxembourg during the Battle of the Bulge and returned home to New York harbor on the Queen Mary after the war. His name appears on the Veteran’s Memorial in the Brawley City Plaza.

On Valentine’s Day in 1947, he met Socorro Esquer. They were married in January of 1948, in Brawley, where they made their home and raised 4 children.

Tony was an avid baseball fan and always looked forward to the San Diego Padres games. He was an active member of the Brawley American Citizens Club in the 1950’s and 60’s. He was employed for many years by the Brawley School District and the Clinica de Salubridad de Campesinos. As an employee of the clinica, he took night classes and proudly obtained his high school equivalency credential (GED) in 1979.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed his daily morning walks and an occasional trip to the local casinos.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Socorro and his brothers, Paul, Justino, Valentino, Benny and Pete.

He is survived by his four children, Martha Romero, Mary Seanez (Ruben), Armando Mares (Sally) and Rebecca Mares; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Marciana and Dora and brother, John and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday July 9, 2018 at 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley with Rosary at 7 p.m. Service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at St. Margaret Mary Church at 9 a.m. and will be officiated by Father Andrew Kunambi. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley.