Photos & Memories
Obituary
On September 7, 2026, our beloved father passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children, Rick, Glendy and Nellie; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always. He loved one woman in his lifetime, and she loved him. Though life eventually took them down separate paths, the love and family they shared remained an important part of the story of his life. He was a hardworking and deeply loyal man. For more than 40 years, he worked for San Bernabe Vineyards, beginning as a laborer and, through years of dedication and hard work, rising through the ranks to become head supervisor. He loved telling people that he had worked for what was, at one time, the largest vineyard in the world. He was a valued and trusted employee who believed in doing his work well, treating people with respect and remaining loyal to those who had placed their trust in him. But the greatest commitment of his life was his commitment to God. For 33 years, he served the Lord with his whole heart and soul. When he gave his life to God, he did not do so halfway. His faith became the foundation of his life. He shared the Gospel, helped lead others to the Lord and never stopped asking those he encountered whether they knew Jesus and had Him in their hearts. Even near the end of his life, he continued sharing his faith with the nurses and caregivers who came to care for him. Music was also part of who he was. He played guitar for decades, and for the last three decades, he used that gift to praise and worship his Lord and Savior in churches in both California and Texas. His church families loved him deeply, and he loved them as his own. To his children, he was steady. He did not need to be loud to be strong. He was humble—a man of few words, but a man with a heart filled with love. His strength was quiet, his faith unwavering, and his love for his family was something we never had to question. He was also a loving caregiver to his younger brother, Jose Luis, whom he cared for with devotion. We find comfort in believing that he is now reunited with his beloved little brother once again. There are no words large enough for the space his absence leaves behind. We love him, and we will grieve him every day until we see him again. But we do not grieve without hope. We know where our dad is. The faith he spent 33 years sharing with everyone around him is the same faith that now gives us peace. We believe he is beside his Lord and Savior, reunited with those he loved who went before him. And we can only imagine him now, guitar in his hands, singing praises to the God he loved so faithfully—his voice joined with the holy choir of Heaven. Until we see you again, Dad.