Alfonso J. Suazo

Alfonso J. Suazo, born October 17, 1919 in La Jara, Colorado passed away November 14, 2008 in Denver Colorado. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Donna (Lopez) Suazo; siblings: John, Ruby, Cordelia, Ray, David; and granddaughter Terri. Survived by his children Keith (Dolly) and Carolynn; sister: Stella (Ben) Sumrall; grandchildren: Al, Joe, Gerry, Jimmy, Donna, Tina;8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alfonso grew up in Brighton, Colorado where his parents Jose Crecencio and Gertrude (Trujillo) Suazo owned a farm. On July 18, 1941, Alfonso and Donna Suazo married in Denver, where they lived and raised their children. Alfonso was a farmer, miner, CCC Camp laborer, mechanic and garnett machine operator for many years and after retirement worked as a security guard until age 85. He also worked as a volunteer at the LDS Temple until the end.

Alfonso served in WWII under General George Patton's Third Army as a light tank driver. He fought in many campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the first tanks to arrive at Buchenwald Concentration Camp and liberate prisoners. While he served his country he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and other decorations including a certificate of merit. He was discharged from the Army at the rank of Corporal. Alfonso, in his later years, regularly attended his Sixth Armored Division and 69th Tank Battalion Reunions and he is a member of the GI Forum in Denver.