George Bango

George A. Bango passed away September 11, 2008 after a day spent with family members. George was born in New Haven, CT April 22, 1934, the oldest son of Caroline Matteo and Anthony Bango. He was predeceased by his mother Caroline and step-father Joseph Corso. George served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 during the Korean Conflict. The family moved to Arizona in 1970. George was a long time horse trainer/owner at Turf Paradise and Canterbury Park in Minnesota, until his retirement last year. George is survived by his wife, Mary; children Nancy Banks, Patricia O'Brien Jim, George, Regina Davis Scott, Karla Maines, Jessica Szabo, former daughter-in-law Roxanna Bango; 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; brothers Robert Bango and Raymond Corso; special aunt, Clara Mei, and many cousins in Connecticut. During his long racing career, George made many friends from the East Coast to the West Coast, who have supported him in his illness with prayers, cards, phone calls, and well wishes. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2008 from 5-8 PM at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 5525 W. Acoma Dr., Glendale, AZ. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Avondale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave., Ste A100, Phoenix AZ 85021. The family would like to thank the Hospice staff, particularly Jennifer, for their support during the last few weeks of George's life. Our special thanks to our very caring and special neighbors.