Tony L. Van Damme

Tony L. Van Damme, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Tony was born in Albuquerque on June 12, 1933, to Teofil and Barbara (Speronelli) Van Damme.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Van Damme, and his sons, Anthony (Scooby) Van Damme and Michael Van Damme, as well as all his brothers and sisters. Tony is the last of the first generation of the Teofil and Barbara Van Damme family.

Tony is survived by his daughters, Gina Cordova, Rose Bell (Jim) and Becky Pelletier (Paul) and grandchildren, Lauren Cordova, Tristan Cordova, Michael Garcia, Mark Garcia and Ernest Van Damme and many nieces and nephews.

Tony attended St. Mary’s School through Junior High and graduated from Albuquerque High School. He enjoyed telling the story that when he was in 3rd or 4th grade at St. Mary’s he would throw paper airplanes out the window of the classroom. One day, one of the Sister’s had enough of that and told him he was going to pick up all the litter on the playground. He said he went home that afternoon and got a stick and put two nails on the end of it which would make it easier to pick up the trash. The next day, Sister saw him picking up trash with his invention and told him she was impressed with his creativity. Tony loved everything that had to do with airplanes, but would never get on one. In his last years, his favorite thing to do was to drive to the Albuquerque Sunport and watch the planes take off and land. He would say “Isn’t that beautiful?”

He began working at Van Damme Sheet Metal when he was 10, alongside his brothers, Junior and Henry. He worked at Van Damme Sheet Metal until the early 1980’s when he ventured out on his own with his small Tin Shop in the backyard. He always enjoyed singing old country songs, playing his guitar and watching the Dallas Cowboys.

Tony was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a man of great faith, an attribute he thanked his mother, Barbara, and the good Nuns of St. Mary’s School for. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and as a child, he would join his mother in kneeling at her altar to pray the Rosary, a practice he would continue daily throughout his entire life.

He loved his family deeply and took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow up. He will be remembered for his gentleness and humbleness. He was loved by everyone who met him and he will be greatly missed. Dad, we are so glad you are now resting in the arms of Jesus.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1860 Griegos Rd. N.W. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.