Mr. Antonio Aponte Diaz Albino, age 75, of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023. Antonio, also known as Tony or Toñito by his family and friends, was born on July 23, 1947, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, the biological son of the late Guadalupe Aponte & Maximina Diaz, and adopted son of the late Abdon Senen Aponte & Belinda Albino.

Antonio was a military child who lived in places such as Alaska and Pennsylvania to name a few. He moved back to Puerto Rico as a young adult where he graduated high school. After high school, Antonio attended the University of Puerto Rico Colegio de Mayagüez. In 1970, Antonio graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the ROTC program. While in college Antonio met and after graduation married the love of his life, Ana Aponte. The marriage was blessed with three children, Jaime Antonio, Gisela, and Eduardo Antonio. Ana and Antonio have (and will continue to) loved each other for 54 years; they enjoyed spending time with their family and traveling together.

After his college graduation and wedding, Antonio and Ana embarked on a new adventure as a young military family. Antonio received a direct commission as an Active Duty Officer after completing the Infantry Officer's Basic Course in Fort Benning, GA, and went on to serve as a Second Lieutenant in Panama; he culminated his military career as a First Lieutenant. Antonio received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army.

Antonio obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration and transitioned into a very successful career with the federal government. He held positions with the Veterans Administration in Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and Oakland, CA. Antonio retired in 2004 from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Central office in Washington, D.C. where he was the Director for the Office of Communications & Case Management. Antonio received many awards for his work with the Veterans Administration. He was respected by his superiors, peers, employees, and veterans. He was always looking for ways to improve operations to better the lives of those his office served.

Antonio also served as an example to his children by giving his time to the community. He was a Member of the Lions Club, a founding member and Past President of the VA Hispanic Association, a past President of the Northern California VA Public Affairs Officer Council, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum, Inc. (San Francisco, CA), and a member of the Federal Executive Boards in San Juan, P.R. and San Francisco, CA.

Antonio had many academic and professional accomplishments but the one accomplishment he was most proud of was the life he built with Ana and the kids as he used to say. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend. Not a day will go by that he is not missed. His laughter was contagious and his presence would light any room he entered. He knew the value of family and made sure they knew how much he cared for and loved them. He gave them his best until his last day.

Antonio is survived by his wife, Ana Aponte, and siblings Jose Guadelupe, Juana, Maria, and Migdalia. He is survived by his three loving children: son, Jaime Antonio Aponte, of Alpharetta, Georgia; daughter, Gisela Aponte-Cain and husband Randy, of Columbia, South Carolina; son, Eduardo Aponte and wife Lauren, of Duluth, Georgia; grandchildren, Andrew, Isabela Raquel, Angelina, Eduardo, Jr., Jonathan and Aila Sofia, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends he loved dearly.
The family will respect Antonio's wishes and will hold a private family visitation and religious service. The family would like to thank all who have called, sent messages, and kept us in their prayers.
Please visit www.northsidechapel.com to share memories and leave condolences to the family.

Ha fallecido el Sr. Antonio Aponte Díaz y Albino en Alpharetta, Georgia el pasado domingo, 15 de enero de 2023. Nació en Coamo, el 23 de julio de 1947, siendo el séptimo hijo de José Guadalupe Aponte y Maximina Díaz que y dado en adopción a Abdón Senén Aponte y Belinda Albino. Casado con Ana Valentín, a quien amó por más de 54 años, y quienes procrearon en matrimonio a sus hijos: Jaime Antonio, Gisela y Eduardo.

Graduado de Bachillerato en Ciencias Sociales de la UPR – Colegio de Mayagüez en 1970, emprendió su carrera en las Fuerzas Armadas de los EEUU, culminando como Primer Teniente y recibiendo un Retiro Honorable. Luego obtuvo su grado de Maestría en Administración Pública y comenzó su exitosa carrera en el gobierno federal donde llegó a ocupar el alto puesto de Director de Comunicaciones y Manejo de Casos de la Oficina Central del Departamento de Asuntos del Veterano en Washington, DC. Fue un líder comunitario activo en varias organizaciones internacionales, federales y locales. Aunque tuvo una vida profesional exitosa, su gran orgullo fue la vida familiar que tuvo junto Ana y sus hijos. De sonrisa contagiosa y personalidad afable, su presencia se distinguía en cualquier lugar donde entrara.

Le sobrevive su amada esposa, Ana Aponte y sus hermanos: Juana, María, José Guadalupe y Migdalia Aponte. Sus amados hijos: Jaime Antonio Aponte de Alpharetta, GA; Gisela Aponte-Cain y su esposo Randy de Columbia, SC; Eduardo Aponte y su esposa Lauren de Duluth, GA. También sus nietos: Andrew, Isabela Raquel, Angelina, Eduardo Jr., Jonathan, and Aila Sofia y todos sus primos, sobrinos y amigos.

En respeto a su voluntad, la familia tendrá un servicio religioso privado. Ana y sus hijos agradecen a todos por sus mensajes de solidaridad y pésame, y les pide a todos que los mantengan en sus oraciones.