Bilialdo M. Blea

Bilialdo M. Blea

1925-2022

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our daddy, tata and our best friend. Daddy joined his beloved “Nina” in paradise on Saturday morning, a day he has waited for three years.

He was greeted with open arms by his parents, Eduardo and Nicolasita Blea; his brothers, Joe, George, Julian and Claudio; and sisters, Lucy Salazar, Trini Chavez and Lugarda Salazar.

Billy was a proud World War II veteran, who protected and defended our country and our freedom. Billy served as corporal in the U.S. Army from July 1944 to July 1946, in central Europe with the 329th Infantry as a rifle marksman. During this time, he received the Victory Ribbon, two Oversea Service Bars, Army of Occupational Medal (Germany), EAME Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star.

In August 1946, his specialty changed to submarine mine planter. As a 6011 mine detachment specialist, he was part of a group engaged in lowering and raising submarine mines for protection of coastal waters and harbor areas. He held this position until he was discharged in December 1950.

Upon returning from the military, he met the love of his life, Rosalina Mireles, and had four children. He is truly loved and survived by his sons, Billy Jr. and Kathy, and Chris Blea. He is adored by his daughters, Gloria Blea, Laura and Michael DeMmon. He will forever be cherished by his grandbabies, Danielson, Jessica and Monica Blea, Antonio and Diego DeMmon, Kevin Blea, Bella Sanchez, Jaden and Jeremiah Otero, and Uriah Blea.

He is survived by his sister, Beatrice Raimondi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends from his 96 years of life. He is also survived by his close companions, Lola and Ziggy, whom loved his neck rubs and whose lives were enriched by his love.

Daddy was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church.  Daddy loved gardening, growing chile for his family every year. He never missed going out to lunch at local restaurants, picnics at the park and always had to attend all veteran ceremonies in uniform.

Daddy loved his life, laughed with family, and taught us all everything we know. Our lives have been enriched by the love, encouragement, kindness, humor, strength and humanity you have shown to us and others.

Thank you for looking out for us, guiding us, inspiring us and we will remember everything that’s good inside of us comes from a lesson we learned along the way from Daddy!

An extraordinary man from an extraordinary generation!

All services will be held Thursday, July 14, at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas, with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.

Pallbearers will be his Army brothers. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Belen, 418 W. Reinken Ave. Belen, NM, 87002, 505-864-4448.