Antonio “Tony” Blanco

On May 23, 2025, Antonio “Tony” Blanco peacefully transitioned back home with the Lord. Tony was a son (youngest of 9), brother, uncle, cousin, husband, and father. Tony joins his wife Betty, his father and mother, and all his siblings in the peaceful and loving home we know as Heaven.  He is survived by his two children Mary Ann Dorame and Robert Blanco, and his grandson Benjamin Dorame. He is also survived by his many nephews and nieces.

Tony, as many of you know, was a schoolteacher and Principal. He inspired many young minds to learn and become the best version of themselves. Everywhere he went, he was greeted by a former student. Everyone knew Tony, as he made friends with everyone he met along his life’s journey.

Tony’s family immigrated to the United States from Spain. Tony was born in L.A, California, his father passed when Tony was a baby, he never had a chance to know him. His family eventually settled in Globe. In Globe, he met many other immigrants and developed a wide range of lifelong friends.  Following high school, he enrolled and graduated from the first in the nation Airplane Mechanic School. He then decided to join the Navy to protect and serve the United States. While in the military he used his education and served as an airplane machinist and mechanic. He would swim out in the ocean off the coasts of Hawaii and the Philippines, using a rope he would tow the planes to shore where he would then repair and ready them for their next mission. He was able to travel the world while in the Military and often wrote his older sister, Carmen. He would provide updates and also ask how she and her son Bob were doing. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Tony and Betty were married. Jobs were hard to find after the war, so Tony and three of his friends traveled to New York City in search of work. They were hired to work in the furnace of a factory making pots and pans. It was too hot for him; he left after the first day and returned to Globe. Tony and Betty then moved to Flagstaff where he attended Northern Arizona Normal School (now known as Northern Arizona University) where he earned his Master’s Degree in Education. He started his career in Roll, AZ. It didn’t take too long for him and Betty to make their way back to Globe. While back in Globe, Tony continued to touch many lives through his teaching and Principalship. During the summer Tony worked for the forest service fighting fires. He also delivered groceries to Apache Junction and Superior. Tony and his sister Laura served as lifeguards at the Central School Pool. Tony found great pleasure hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was always busy. Busy helping others. Tony eventually retired and continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

Tony led with determination, compassion, and the desire to make things better for everyone. He always wanted to help people, always! He had a fascination with systems and developing them to assist with everyday life and safety. A great example of this is the Pedestrian Bridge over Willow Street. Tony was the catalyst for getting the bridge built so the children could safely cross the street to and from Central school. The bridge remains intact to this day. He also engaged in other helpful activities for his fellow educators, ensuring they received benefits well after retirement.

Tony had a very strong handshake, anyone that met him knows what this means. He also was quick with his hands as he began boxing at a young age and was always happy to show you his skill even through the last few weeks of his life. Tony was a fun man to be around, always sensing humor and keeping up to date on world events. So, conversations with him were always enjoyable.

At the end of the day, Tony was the epitome of a great person. He did not have any enemies, only friends and family. He treated everyone with respect and always wanted the best for everyone. He always had food to offer when you visited him.  He unconditionally loved and cared for Betty until her passing. He never complained or asked for help. Tony never was a burden to anyone throughout his life. Tony did everything he could to make sure those around him were always cared for. On the first night he had a night nurse, he asked her “where are you going to sleep?” And told her, “Here, take my bed and I’ll go out there and sleep on the couch.” As you can see, although he was receiving care, he wanted to make sure he was caring for his caretaker too. That was Tony Blanco, putting others first before himself. A great man, person, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, and Principal. We miss you, Papa, and know you are free and happy in your forever home in Heaven with Betty and everyone else who has been waiting for you.       Until we meet again, Rest in Peace, Papa. Love you twice!  The last two verses of Psalm 23 are modified to reflect the life that Tony led- “He prepared a table for me before my enemies, He anointed my head with oil, my cup overflowed, His goodness and love followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever.”     There will be a celebration of life within the coming months and details will be shared once they are solidified.”

Family is being assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe.