To Celebrate a Life of Love: Colonel Jose G. Alonzo, USMC, Retired
December 13, 1940-January 3, 2020
Colonel Jose G. Alonzo, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, went to the Lord on January 3, 2020 at the age of 79. He was born on December 13, 1940 in Musquiz, Coahuila, Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Socorro Alonzo; brothers Juan, Hilario and Dionisio Alonzo; sisters Asuncion Alvarez and Aurora Vallejo.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Irma Luna Alonzo; daughters, Lisa Alonzo Belus, Michelle Alonzo Huff and son, Joey Alonzo; grandchildren Carissa Huff, Billy Huff, Jakob Alonzo, Amelie Alonzo, Michael Huff, James Huff, Lauren Huff; brother, Arturo G. Alonzo; and sister-in-law, Amparo Alonzo (wife of Dionisio).
Jose completed secondary schooling in Mexico and came to Uvalde, Texas at the age of 15. He attended 8th grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Uvalde High School in 1961. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. He later received master’s degrees from Pepperdine University and the University of Texas in San Antonio.
Jose joined the Marine Corp in October of 1965. His military career took him all over the United States as well as several overseas assignments, including Iceland, Turkey, Greece, England, Germany, Central America, and South America. Upon graduation from Officer’s Candidate School, Jose served the U.S. Marine Corp as a Logistic Officer, Supply Officer, and Basic Signals Intelligence/Electronics Warfare Officer. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. His decorations and citations include the National Defense Service Medal, Several Marksmanship Badges, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal color with palm), Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Overseas Service Ribbon, and many other decorations.
Upon his military retirement in 1994, he went into public education as a teacher, vice principal, and principal. He also served as a counselor for veterans of the armed services at San Antonio College for several years. His hobbies included Bible study and dinner groups, socializing, volunteering with Meals and Wheels, and traveling all over the country. He was a voracious reader, an avid gym-goer, and as a lover of history, participated in a history club.
Though Jose experienced a life filled with achievements and accolades, he remained a kind, and tender man, never forgetting his humble beginnings. He was completely devoted to the love of his life, Irma, and he loved his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His smile and warm embrace will be missed by his family. Jose is now resting in the arms of our Lord, but the passing of this good, good man leaves a void in the hearts of his family and friends.
Vigil Service/Rosary at Porter Loring North at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 14
Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi at 12 pm on Wednesday, January 15
Burial at Ft. Sam at 1:45 pm