Special Forces Sergeant Major Armando “Mando” A. Canales went to be with our Lord when he died of a heart attack in his home at the age of 73 in San Antonio, TX on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. He was born in Uvalde, Texas and is survived by his siblings, Ernesto Canales, Queta Young, Raul Canales, and Delfina Estrada, and brother-in-law, Dan Apolinar. Married to his high school sweetheart, Angie for 53 years, he is survived by: his children, Frank, Monica, Natalie, Etta and Gentry; grandchildren Matthew, Alex, Christine, Eric and Justin; great-granddaughter Makenzie, and a robust family of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends. A true and noble warrior, Mando prominently served his country for 25 years from 1958 to his retirement in 1983, serving in Okinawa, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and Europe. After retirement, he taught Junior ROTC at Burbank High School for 15 years. The Sergeant Major took the helm as President of the Special Forces Association Green Beret Chapter 15 in San Antonio, where he continued to serve for over 30 years. A firm believer in God and country, he was known for his quiet strength, compassionate helping hand, and constant and consistent devotion to his family, he left this world respected, much loved and revered — confident that his love was felt by all who came into contact with him. A Gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 6-9 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas, 78218. A Graveside Service will take place at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11:30 am.
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