88R25346 BK-D
By: Menéndez S.R. No. 459
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The tragic passing of Joseph Gerard Banales on April
15, 2023, at the age of 22, has brought an incalculable loss to the
family and friends of this beloved young man; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 15, 2000, to Margarito Banales III
and Frances Szabo, Joseph Banales grew up with the companionship of
his twin sister, Gabriella, and his brothers, Krisztofer, Nickolas,
and Matthew; he attended Catholic school until moving with his
family to Germany, where he graduated with honors from Ramstein
High School; he excelled as a saxophonist in the St. Anthony High
School Jazz Band and also competed in numerous drill team and rifle
team events while in high school; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Mr. Banales was enrolled
as a student at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio;
in addition to being in the nursing program and serving as a senator
in the student government, he was a contracted cadet in the ROTC
program and was on track to be commissioned into the U.S. Army as a
nurse in December 2023; and
WHEREAS, In pursuing a military career in nursing, this
patriotic young man was following in the footsteps of his parents
and oldest brother, who served as army nurses, and of his other
siblings, who have all been active in the military and reserve; he
enjoyed being part of a close-knit family, and his relationship
with his girlfriend, Amy Bonilla, was a source of much happiness to
him; and
WHEREAS, Although Joseph Banales will be greatly missed, his
loved ones will forever cherish their memories of his kindness, his
devotion to his faith and his country, and the joy and laughter that
he brought into their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Joseph Gerard Banales and extend
heartfelt condolences to all who mourn his passing; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Joseph Banales.