81R28233 CBE-D
By: Ortiz, Jr. H.R. No. 1826
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Corpus Christi are mourning the loss of
longtime education professor David Berlanga, Jr., who passed away
on April 20, 2009, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, The son of Bertha Berlanga and David Berlanga, Sr.,
who served as a city councilman and Nueces County Commissioner,
David Berlanga, Jr., was born on August 14, 1943; he graduated from
Ray High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree at Texas A&I
University and a doctorate in education at the University of
Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Berlanga was a passionate advocate of education
and inspired countless students during his tenure at Texas A&M
University-Corpus Christi, where he served for nearly three
decades; he not only motivated students to stay the course and
graduate from college, but he also devoted much of his time to
writing grants that provided funding for textbooks, student
stipends, and scholarships; moreover, he encouraged students to
master teaching in two languages so they could reach out to children
and youth who were not fluent in English; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan enjoyed the love and support of
his wife, Mary Helen Berlanga, who has served as a member of the
State Board of Education for more than 25 years; sharing his concern
for education, she worked with him to ensure that students who began
school at Crossley Elementary and graduated from high school in
2000 would qualify for a scholarship, and to provide scholarships
to students who participated in the 2005 HOPE conference; and
WHEREAS, Highly regarded by all who were privileged to know
him, David Berlanga distinguished himself as a caring, dedicated,
and talented individual, and he leaves behind a legacy that will
continue to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of David Berlanga, Jr.,
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Mary Helen Berlanga; to his children, Christina Whittier and
her husband, Gordon, David Berlanga III, Monica Berlanga, and
Catherine Berlanga; to his grandchildren, Bryce and Emma Whittier;
to his mother, Bertha Hinojosa Berlanga; to his sisters, Mary Alice
Gonzales and her husband, Arnold, and Rose Avila and her husband,
Robert; to his brother, Jose Berlanga, and his wife, Polly; and to
his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. David
Berlanga, Jr.