SILVESTRE F. DELEON's Obituary
Silvestre F. Deleon (Sarge), 93, of Pharr, Texas passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen, Texas.
Silvestre was born in Pharr, Texas to Jose Deleon and Juanita Flores on September 1, 1922. He married his war time sweetheart Matilde 'Mattie' Gonzalez on December 21, 1946 in St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Pharr, Texas. He worked as a line man for Central Power and Light (CPL) for thirty-three years where he was fondly known as 'Shorty'.
Silvestre was preceded in death by his beloved wife (Mattie), his parents Jose Deleon and Juanita Flores, his seven brothers: Octavio, Agripino, Jose Angel, Guadalupe, Loretto, Jose, Gilberto (his identical twin), and his four sisters Sofia Cortez, Petra Torres, Julia Guerra and Marina Camacho.
Silvestre is survived by daughter Christina (Ricardo) Balli, daughter Norma (Robert) Ramos, son David Deleon, daughter Sylvia (Jimmie) Gaertner, and daughter Doris Leal, son-in-law 'el doctor' Leal and Oscar Alanis Jr. In addition, he is survived by eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grand children and numerous nephews and nieces.
Silvestre was a World War II veteran and served proudly in the United States Army as a sergeant. He was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor and gallantry in action against the enemy. He served in the "Red Diamond", 5th Infantry Division. Silvestre Deleon was one of the faces of the greatest battle in American military history, the Battle of the Bulge. He also served under George Patton, whom he often referred to as "old blood and guts". Silvestre and four of his brothers served in the military during WWII. All five brothers returned safely home.
In 1946, he was recruited by Charles Curtis and Aldofo Ramirez to join American Legion Post 101. He was a member of American Legion Post 101 for over seventy years. In 2009, he was presented with a life time membership by American Legion Post 101 for being the longest living Post 101 member. As a member, he served in several leadership capacities. He served as Post 101 Commander, Sergeant-at-Arms of Post 101 and District 15, and headed the Military Honor Guard for several years. In addition, he assisted with the American Legion Boys State and baseball league. As a result of his strong patriotism and commitment to his country and fellowman, he earned the nickname "Sarge". He was always greeted with a right hand salute by all of his friends and family.
Silvestre was also a member of the Texas Army National Guard in Pharr, Texas for many years. He was a Sergeant and also served as a Sergeant-at-Arms. He was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and spent a year of training in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Silvestre's pastimes were hunting, fishing and barbecuing. He taught all of his son-in-laws the 'proper' way to barbeque chicken. This was a skill that all appreciate to this day. In addition, he was sought out to assist at barbeque fundraisers at the American Legion and St. Jude Catholic Church.
Sarge adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The first thing he taught each one of them at a very young age was to give a 'right hand salute' and to say 'hut two'. This was how all of his grandchildren greeted and said goodbye to their grandfather out of respect and love. They were proud of their hero grandfather.
Pallbearers will be David Deleon, Ricardo Balli, Roberto Ramos, Jimmie Gaertner, Oscar Alanis Jr., and Skott Leal.
A rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Aurora Funeral Home Sam Houston. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Funeral services will be held (TIME PENDING) on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at St. Jude Catholic Church 505 S. Ironwood St., Pharr, Texas. Burial will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens 4607 N. Sugar Rd. Pharr, TX. Arrangements are by Aurora Funeral Home Sam Houston, 706 W. Sam Houston Blvd. Pharr, TX.
The family of Silvestre wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home, Dr. Ernesto Trevino, Gracia Hospice Care and to all the special nurses and caring CNA staff that took loving care of Sarge for six years and one day.
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