Alonzo Vega Blanco Sr

Milwaukee - Born July 29, 1947.

Passed to Eternal Life in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the age of 75.

At age-14, Alonzo's mother recognized his passion for puro Tejano music & purchased his first cherry-red drum set. His mother would visit her sisters in California and return with new 45s & 33s vinyl records; Alonzo would spin those new tunes on his record player, practicing, playing, singing... learning all the songs, and then persist his father to take him to play for crowds at local clubs & taverns where his passion continued to grow, and so did the crowds who came out to enjoy his music.

Alonzo attended the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music where he formally learned to write & compose music. And his passion guided him through 45-years in the music industry as a Professional Musician mastering drums, base guitar, 12-string bajo estos, accordian, percussions, and vocals. We could never go anywhere without someone stopping him to shake his hand, and ask where is his next "tocada" (where he's playing, next).

Alonzo retired from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Sheild Insurance Company in downtown Milwaukee where he said it was tough to leave because he had developed great friendships with his Manager and collegues from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

He enjoyed cooking & making a hot cup of coffee for anyone who stopped in for a visit.

Our community is going to miss seeing Alonzo zooming in-and-out of all his favorite bike trails, especially along the Milwaukee Lakefront. He often thought bicyclists had the right-of-way; if a driver cut him off, they'd definitely get his side-eye.

The Librarians are already asking for their #1 bookworm as he was an advent reader. He particularly would fill his backpack with 12-16 books for the week... mostly the old Western reads.

And the grandkids are already connecting with "Grandpa" through their photos and quoting him; so blessed for all the wisdom, love, and the great legacy he left behind.

Until we meet again, "Pops," keep composing, singing, and playing your beautiful Tejano music for all our loved ones in the Heavens above to enjoy & dance to!!! Your smile & bubbly spirit will be dearly missed.

Preceded in death by parents Thomas Blanco Sr. and Helen Vega Blanco.

Also preceded in death by siblings Thomas Jr., Joey, Jesse, Dorina, Ricky, Lily, and Ketta.

Survived by brothers Lucio, Archie (Becky), and Armin. And sisters Camila (Geronimo), Maria, Anita, and Felisa.

He fell in love and married Maria del Carmen Flores and over the years she blessed him with 5 beautiful kids. He is survived by his loving daughters Rosalinda (Paul) Avila, Rose Mary Blanco-Alvarado, and Roseann (Eliseo) Blanco-Solis. Late sons Alonzo Vega Blanco Jr., and Jesús ("Jesse") Blanco.

Beloved grandfather of Heather (Celes) Hernandez-Jones, Anthony Blanco, Pablo Avila Jr., Alex (Christine) Avila, Anita Avila, Christian Avila, Jessica Blanco (John Garcia), Amanda (Rafi) Perez, Alexis Korhonen (Eladio Rivera), Eliseo Duarte, Bernardo (Beverly) Solis, Juan (Shaya) Soto, Maria Solis-Soto, Angelica Solis-Soto, Lorena Solis, Vanessa Blanco, Joey Blanco, Blanca Blanco, Audrina Aviles, Diego Blanco, and Sonia Blanco.

Beloved great-grandfather of 25, and uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.

OPEN VISITATION & PRAYER SERVICE

will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 12noon to 4pm (with Prayer Service at 3pm), at:

Witkowiak Funeral Home

529 W. Historic Mitchell St.

Milwaukee, WI 53204

(414) 645-2467

(Honoring his wishes, creamation will follow at a later date.)

RECEPTION DINNER to follow, 5pm-7pm, at:

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care

2801 E. Morgan Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53207

To anyone who wishes to contribute, a dish to pass would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT to his daughter, Roseann Blanco-Solis for having a servant's heart to move "Pops" in with her and taking on the responsibility of being his full-time Primary Caretaker without hesitation. From the bottom of our heart, we THANK YOU for the countless things you did for "Pops" and for dedicating your life to caring for him. Such an honorable thing she did... all the way to the very end. May God keep Roseann blessed, always, for her selfless efforts and giving heart. ⚘️⚘️⚘️

As always, the Blanco family is so appreciative of the help & guidance we always receive from the wonderful Witkowiak team, over the years, as we prepare to say our goodbyes to our father.