[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9021]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF BALDOMERO VELA SR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
prominent Rio Grande Valley businessman, Baldomero Vela Sr., who passed 
away on Friday, June 2, 2017.
  Baldomero, or ``Baldo,'' as he was known to friends and family, was 
born and raised in Hidalgo, Texas. After graduating from McAllen High 
School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944, serving in the 29th 
Infantry Division during World War II. He then attended the University 
of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1949 with a degree in 
pharmaceuticals.
  Following graduation, Baldo was a pharmacist for 50 years in the Rio 
Grande Valley. In 1957, Baldo opened the Professional Pharmacy in 
McAllen, Texas. In the 1970s, he purchased Lee's Pharmacy, which is now 
owned and operated by two of his five children. In addition to his role 
as a pharmacist, Baldo was deeply involved in a number of community 
organizations, including the Hidalgo Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, 
McAllen Public Utilities Board and McAllen Housing Services.
  Baldomero will be remembered as a kind and generous man, whose 
contributions to his community will not be easily forgotten. His 
generous spirit will live on in the Rio Grande Valley, leaving those he 
loved better for having known him.
  Mr. Speaker, South Texas lost a strong community member this month. 
He embodied the values of diligence, selflessness, and service. He will 
be sorely missed.

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