Joe Tolentino

Joe Tolentino, 84, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012 in Abilene. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 16th at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview with interment following in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Sunday in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 with Wake Service at 6:00 PM and Rosary at 7:00 PM.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Abilene. He served in the 82nd Airborne of the U.S. Army during WWII where he was stationed in the Panama Canal and at one time escorted President Dwight Eisenhower as a Military Police Officer. He was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal. He was talented welder and owned and operated Tolentino and Sons Welding for many years as well as working with Trinity Industries, Bulldog Steel and Tig Manufacturing.

Joe was a loving husband, father and Guelo to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His face lit up with a smile at the site of each and every one of them. He never met a stranger and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. He was an avid Texas Rangers fan.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years Mary Tolentino of Abilene his children, Richard Tolentino and wife Wilma, Edward Tolentino and wife Maria and Rudy Tolentino and wife Melinda all of Abilene, Mary Ellen Tolentino of Austin and Robert Tolentino and wife JoAnne of Plano Grandchildren, Brian Tolentino and wife Shelley, Ricci Tolentino, Tess Tolentino, Matthew Tolentino, Jennifer Tolentino and husband Gilbert Robledo, Joshua Tolentino, Michael Tolentino and wife Anna, Emilio Tolentino, Alyssa Tolentino, Amy Garcia and husband Luis Flores, Staci Garcia, Isabella Tolentino, Victoria Tolentino, Jeremy Alvarez and Timothy Tolentino Great Grandchildren, Zaccarria, Sebastian, Brooklyn, Kyli, Bryn, Reid, Devin, Cynara, Gabriella, Lilliana and Leia Tolentino two sisters, Margaret Torres and husband Juan and Tommie Sigala and husband Paul one sisterinlaw, Louisa Tolentino and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents and two brothers, Ruben and Fidel Tolentino preceded him in death.

Joe could often be seen around town with his companion of 6 years, his Basset Hound, Isbell. She traveled with him everywhere he went and always made sure she was in the front seat. He will be missed by his beloved wife, children and grandchildren, but especially by his dear Isbell.

Pallbearers for the service will be Brian, Matt, Michael, Emilio and Joshua Tolentino and Gilbert Robledo. Honorary pallbearer is Zach Tolentino.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Sunday, April 15, 2012
5:00 to 6:00 PM

Service

Wake Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Sunday, April 15, 2012
6:00 PM

Rosary

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Sunday, April 15, 2012
7:00 PM

Funeral Mass

St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church
2525 Westview Dr.
Abilene, TX  79603
Monday, April 16, 2012
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606