Antiago “Babe” Alfonso Vindiola
February 16, 1918 - September14, 2009


Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 3:41 PM MDT


Santiago “Babe” Vindiola passed away on September 14, 2009, in Tucson, Arizona.


He was born February 6, 1918, in Gleason, Arizona, and resided in Douglas until three years prior to his passing.  Preceding him in death were his parents Guadalupe Leon and Santiago Vindiola, Louisa Vindiola wife, Jimmy Vindiola son, and his siblings Bertha Vindiola Kier, Rosario “Chalita” Vindiola Garza Cantu and Ignacio “Nacho” Vindiola.  He married Louisa, October 15, 1938. Louisa and Babe owned and operated the La Fiesta Café, a well-known restaurant at 524 8th Street for 30 years.

Babe was a prominent musician in Douglas, and throughout Arizona, from his late teens through his early 80’s.  He performed on both sides of the border and many, many times volunteered his services, and he was a member of the Army band during World War II.  He was Santa Claus for several years on behalf of Los Cuarenta Alborotados, an activity for the children he loved.

Surviving are his daughters Norma Irene Vindiola and Sylvia Whitlock; grandchildren Cathy Nelson, Rick Nelson, Lorraine Sarlat, Elaine Vindiola, Suzy Vindiola, Marianne Vindiola, Jay Whitlock, Audrey Forenza; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A Rosary for Babe will be recited at 11:00 am on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated following the Rosary at 11:30 am with Father Gilbert Malu officiating.   Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Babe will be remembered as a kind and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Babe Vindiola Scholarship fund for the Performing Arts and Music being set up by the Grand Theatre Fundraising Program.

Brown-Page Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 364-3434.  

 

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Eloise Cannon wrote on Oct 24, 2009 10:27 AM:

    " My prayers for comfort and strength are extended to you Sylvia and your family during this time. My fond memories of Douglas include the dances and La Fiesta!! May God keep you. "

    Oscar and Irene Ferrell wrote on Oct 20, 2009 11:04 PM:

    " Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have wonderful memories of dancing at the school dances with the great Babe Vindiola Band. I also remember his great smile for everyone at the restaurant. "

    Helen Christine Bloomquist wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:24 PM:

    " My thoughts and prayers are with you. I fondly remember spending time with Jimmy and Norma when we were young,and hearing his dad play. I always enjoyed the meals at La Fiesta, too, especially when I was back in Douglas visiting. Tex-Mex style food is good - but not what I grew up with!! When I had dinner last summer in a local (Livingston, TX) place, a Mariache group was playing. It brought back a lot of memories of 'Babe' and family. All my best to all of you. "

    Priscilla Vargas Smith wrote on Oct 13, 2009 7:18 PM:

    " My sincere and deepest condolences to my friend Sylvia and family on their loss. May you find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. God Bless you always
    Priscilla & Bob Smith "

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