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ANGEL -- Frank Angel Jr., age 91, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2005 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He was in Brazil to visit with his wife's family. A ceremony was conducted by a Franciscan Father. The service opened with Chopin's Nocturne and closed with the American Anthem. Dr. Angel's wife, Gladis Angel, will be returning with Dr. Angel's cremains at the end of June. A Memorial Service is being planned for early July. The exact date has not yet been fixed but will be announced soon. Frank was preceded in death by his first wife, Antonia Angel; his brothers, Judge Joe Angel and Mr. Edmundo Angel. Dr. Angel was known for his loving, caring manner and his intense enthusiasm for life. His influence as a friend, teacher, and administrator was wide. His professional career began as a teacher in a small rural elementary school, located in Nambe, NM. He rose to serve as President of Highlands University. He achieved the distinction of being the first Hispanic to serve as President of a public university anywhere in the United States. While serving as a Professor and Assistant Dean at the University of New Mexico, he initiated a program which eventually influenced education in nearly all of the countries of Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Students from those programs eventually became University Presidents themselves, Ministers of Education, Vice Ministers, and Director Generals in their respective countries. Dr. Angel's military service during WWII was as exceptional as his service as an educator. He was recognized for his bravery in action. He was the pilot of a B-24 bomber in the Pacific Theatre. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 3 Bronze Service Stars. The GI Bill assisted Dr. Angel in doing graduate work at the Berkeley campus of the University of California where he completed his Ph.D. Dr. Angel was an exceptional scholar, a warrior, and a well loved friend. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name would be welcomed to help establish a scholarship fund. Donations may be sent to the New Mexico Highlands University Foundation at New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM 87701.
        Published on: Sun June 05, 2005