Antonio Iglesias Sr

Antonio Iglesias Sr., also referred to as “Abuelo”, “Toño”, or “Babalú” passed away on 12 September 2023; he was a proud husband and father, an enthusiastic Abuelo to his grandchildren, and a proud United States Army Veteran.

Antonio was born in Panama City, Panama, where he met his wife, Rosalia of 53 years.

Antonio is also survived by their five children, Jose Guerra and daughter-in-law Berta, Luis Guerra, Raul Guerra, and daughter-in-law Kenia Guerra, Antonio Iglesias Jr., and Alexis Iglesias and daughter-in-law Krisha Iglesias. Antonio is also survived by grandchildren Raul Guerra Jr., Dayanara Guerra, Gianna Guerra, Josecito Guerra, Omayra Guerra, Jessica Guerra, Yudelka Guerra, Luis Guerra Jr., Antonio Iglesias III, Angelique Iglesias, Mateo Iglesias, Daniel Jackson, Alexis Iglesias Jr., Diego Iglesias, Kaila Iglesias, and Benicio Iglesias.

Antonio will be remembered by his family for his continued determination to provide for his family; he moved to the United States during the Vietnam era and voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army. Antonio served in several artillery units while living in the United States and in his home country of Panama.

Antonio shared stories with his kids and grandkids over the years regarding the many challenges he faced as he planned to relocate his family to the United States in search of opportunity; he reiterated the importance of living in a free country, where anything is possible.

Antonio’s friends and family recognize that he was a true family man, always striving to provide for his family. He was a supporter of dreams, an analytical man, and a deep thinker who always had sound advice to give. Abuelo had a sweet tooth, and he loved his Panamanian culture, the music, the food, and his friends from Panama as well as those he connected with during his military and civilian Army career. He was a true patriot and a lover of the United States, and he deeply appreciated the opportunities presented to him and his family due to his military service.

He wanted nothing but for the people around him to be happy and healthy. Antonio was a disciplined man, except when Chips Ahoy or Oreo cookies were within reach; he had an eye for detail, which he applied to his lawn and pool maintenance and his collection of tools for conducting home repairs. He was selfless, rarely telling anyone in the family if he had stress, pain, or any other concern in life that may cause a person to worry about him.

Through his last days, Antonio maintained his strength, humor, love, and dedication to his family. Abuelo will be forever missed, but he will never be forgotten.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 12:00pm at Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Those wishing to attend please arrive by 11:40am for an escort.

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