Vicente Pablo

VICENTE CRUZ PABLO, Retired USAF, 81, of Denver passed away June 14, 2009. Beloved husband of 53 years to Dolores and father to Polly (Steve Hoganson), Vincent (Tracy), Donna, Elizabeth (Ezzard Gadson), Frank, Robert (Christina), Anthony (Kolet); 26 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by sons Thomas John Pablo and John Emanuel Pablo. Vicente ""Ben"" Pablo was born to Manuel Comacho Pablo and Concepcion Jesus Cruz on November 11, 1927 in Agana and raised in Barrigada, Guam. He was brother to six sisters and four brothers. It was during the occupation of Guam in World War II that Vicente grew in his patriotism and gratitude to the US armed forces that not too long after graduating from George Washington High School he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1955 he was stationed at George AFB California where he met the love of his life Dolores Babauta Jesus from Agat, Guam. They married August 5, 1955 in Victorville, California. The US Air Force moved the growing Pablo family up and down the state of California and Alaska. In 1967 they made one last move to Denver, Colorado. This is where Vicente retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. Vicente then obtained a job through the Civil Service and worked at the VA Medical Center in Denver for 18 years. Ben and Dolores loved to spend time with their children, grandchildren and great grand children and rejoiced in their many accomplishments. They also loved to travel to see family, making several trips to Europe, California, Kansas, Texas, Guam and North Carolina. A special highlight in the life of Vicente and Dolores was their 50th wedding anniversary and renewal of their vows that was celebrated surrounded by their family and close friends in August of 2005. Devoted to their Catholic faith Ben and Dolores raised their 8 children and lived each day as Disciples of Christ. They were long time members of Montbello Catholic Parish and celebrated many baptisms, weddings, communions and confirmations in this church. Please join us in a Mass dedicated to Vicente on Friday June 19, 5:30pm, Montbello Catholic Parish 14050 Maxwell Pl., Denver. A Memorial service in celebration of his life will be held Monday June 22nd at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel 11150 E Dartmouth Ave. Denver. Viewing 9-10am, Memorial at 10am. Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors. A potluck reception will be held at the home of Vincent and Tracy Pablo, 19796 E 41st Ave, Denver, starting at 2pm. In lieu of flowers you can contribute to the Vicente Pablo memorial fund through Fitzsimons Credit Union 13529 E 17th Pl. Denver, Colorado 80239. We will always hold our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend close to our hearts.