Raymundo "Ray" Blanco, Sr.

Raymundo Blanco, age 75, of Benson AZ passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025. He was surrounded by his four kids, other family members and close friends. He is survived by Maria Blanco (mother of his kids), Ray Jr., Miguel (Melissa), Regina (Ethan) and Richard. Grandkids Llelena, Anisa, Little Mikey, Wyatt, and Oliver. Great Grandkids Lucrecia and Lorenia. His siblings Cecelia and Angel.

Ray was born and raised in his younger days in El Paso, Texas. He always considered himself a Texan. Ray moved with his family to Southern California in the early 60’s.

Here he learned how to surf and developed his great love of old cars, motorcycles and music.  After graduating high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Army. Here with hard work, he became a US Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He couldn’t be prouder!  After his stint as a soldier, he met and married Maria and moved to Arizona. 

Here in Arizona Ray worked for the railroad and then the local grocery stores to support his family. His game rooster interest brought from California kept him busy for the next part of his life. He showed all his kids the responsibilities of caring for animals. He made good friends in this community and even better great partners.

As Ray got older, retired and moved to Benson, Arizona he became closer to God and lived his life as a Christian. He truly was a great example of what a dad should be.  He touched the lives of everyone he met. He loved listening to people, learning about people and helping people.   If you learned anything from this man, it would be to love one another.  Help one another. No Negativity! And to dance till you can’t dance anymore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to local organizations that help local veterans. Get more involved in your church to help others.

 Services at Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery 1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635 on Thursday April 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

Celebration of Life at the America Legion Post 7 at 330 West Franklin Street Tucson, Arizona 85701 on Friday April 18th 2025 at 4:00 PM.