Our Ministries

Category Archives: Obituaries

To sign up to receive updated obituaries, subscribe to our e-mail push.

All funeral videos recorded, or scheduled to be recorded, are available on our YouTube Funerals playlist.

02 Jun

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Almedia Bannantine

July 3, 1925 – May 31, 2017

Almedia, a beloved St. Vincent de Paul volunteer and Silver Stars member, entered eternal life on May 31, 2017. Almedia is remembered for her strength in dealing with health issues. She had a beautiful smile and always cared for others before herself. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 pm on Saturday, June 3 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A reception will follow in Henke Hall.

 

22 May

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Ann Marie Collins

April 20, 1930 – May 18, 2017

Ann Marie Collins, born on April 20, 1930, went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2017, at the age of 87. She is preceded in death by her parents Walter Taylor Hilt and Olympia Marie Harrison Hilt, and her beloved husband, William Collins.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen DeLeon and husband, Mario, Kathy Beck and husband, Stan, and Nancy Hanson and husband, Eugene; sons, Kenneth Collins and wife, Sharon, Robert Collins, Steve Collins, Jim Collins and wife, Anna, and David Collins; brother, Harrison Hilt; 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; numerous extended family and friends.

Ann was a loving mother and grandmother. Her excellent skills as a typist led to her career as a medical transcriber for the Methodist Hospital for many years. She was a talented seamstress and was able to work with a wide range of projects. She even sewed her own Square Dance outfits while a member of the “Wagon Wheels Club”. Ann saw the beauty in nature and especially loved butterflies and all types of colorful flowers. She relaxed by playing lively video games on a daily basis, but her favorite past time was being surrounded by her beloved grandchildren who were the light of her life. We are comforted by the faith she instilled in us, that she is at peace with the Lord. She will be forever missed.

Services

Family and friends will meet on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (4201 De Zavala Rd.) for visitation beginning at 6:00 P.M. followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Procession will depart following Mass for interment at Holy Cross Cemetery (17501 Nacogdoches Rd).

Download worship aid by clicking here.

02 May

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Stanley W. Allen

February 21, 1925 – April 22, 2017

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ret. Lt. Col. Stanley W. Allen on April 22, 2017. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Mexico D.C. on February 21, 1925 to Charles T. Allen and Rebecca Wilkinson Allen. He was preceded in death by his dad, mom, brother, Captain Charles T. Allen and sister, Agatha Miranda. He boxed as a teen, winning Golden Gloves. He also boxed for the Air Force, enlisting on July 6, 1943 and serving in WWII. After serving in the Air Force Reserve, he retired on February 21, 1985. He joined the YMCA and found a lifelong love of handball. He was one of the best players in the U.S., winning many matches. He also had a love for golf, always walking the course. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Elsa T. Allen; children, Charles (Rhonda) Allen, Renee Bernhard, Carlos de la Garza, Lourdes (Mike) Hernandez, Patricia (Tom) Zielinski, Jaime de la Garza, Diana (Tony) Martinez, Monica (Craig) Erion as well as twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He touched many lives and we will miss him terribly. We will always carry his memory in our hearts.

Services

ROSARY
TUESDAY
MAY 2, 2017
7:00 P.M.
PORTER LORING
NORTH CHAPEL

MASS
WEDNESDAY
MAY 3, 2017
10:00 A.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DEZAVALA ROAD

Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

01 May

To Celebrate a Life of Love: John E. Cortissoz

February 7, 1930 – April 26, 2017

John E. Cortissoz, a retired publishing executive, died Wednesday, April 26, in San Antonio, Texas, after a long illness. He was 87.

Born February 7, 1930, in New York, he was the son of John and Mary Cortissoz. He grew up in New York and attended Manhattanville Preparatory School and the City College of New York. He married Hope Morrison in 1953, and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary the day before his passing.

Mr. Cortissoz served as a Corporal in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, based in Denver. Following his discharge, he returned to New York and eventually settled in Greenwich, Conn.  He worked for Reinhold Publishing in Manhattan, initially as a designer and later in sales.  From there he moved to McGraw-Hill, where he served in senior positions in sales and product development for Business Week magazine. He then joined the Goldhirsh Group as Associate Publisher of Inc. magazine. In 1989, he and his wife retired to Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, Fla., where they lived until moving to San Antonio in 2016.

Mr. Cortissoz was a devoted husband and father. He was active in his church and relished serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was a do-it-yourself builder who lent his carpentry skills to Habitat for Humanity work projects. He was known for his sense of humor, embellishing his stories with accents and anecdotes. He was an ardent golfer and a car enthusiast.

Art was a lifelong passion, beginning with his work as a designer, continuing with a talent for drawing caricatures of people speaking on the telephone, and developing over time into a fine-tuned technique for portraits, landscapes, and street scenes in places he visited in Europe and the United States.

He is survived by his wife, Hope Morrison Cortissoz of San Antonio, and his brother, Dennis Cortissoz of Guelph, Ontario. Mr. Cortissoz is also survived by his daughter, Cathryn Cortissoz of Guelph, Ontario; his son and daughter-in-law John and Jill Cortissoz of San Antonio; his daughter and son-in-law, Mariann and Jonathan Bigelow of Wilton, Conn.; his daughter and son-in-law Marguerite and Robert Wills of San Antonio; and his son Christopher Cortissoz of San Antonio.  Mr. Cortissoz also is survived by 8 grandchildren: John J. Cortissoz of San Antonio, Kelly Cortissoz Byrne of San Antonio, Allison Lehrer of New York, James Bigelow of New York, Bryan Lehrer of Portland, Oregon, Taylor Ferguson of San Antonio, Kaitlyn Cortissoz of San Antonio, and Reece Cortissoz of San Antonio; and by 4 great-grandchildren: Anabella and Jayci Cortissoz of Wimberly, Texas, and Sawyer and Charlotte Byrne of San Antonio.

Service

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 2, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

25 Apr

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gilbert James Kissling

February 1, 1931 – April 2, 2017

Gilbert James Kissling, born on Feb. 01, 1931 to John T. and Mary Wrzeciono (Rejona) Kissling, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 02, 2017 at age 86. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Irene Mechler Kissling, sons: John (Roxanne), James (Kim), Michael, Daniel; grandchildren: David, Cameron, Karli, and Gretchen; numerous extended family and friends.

He is predeceased in death by his children: Tom, Mary Carol, Bernard Paul; daughter-in-law Ann Gastinger Kissling; his parents; siblings: Johnny, Carl, Rosemary.

Gilbert graduated from St. Gerard High School in 1949 and attended St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas at Austin. He was a Union Journeyman Plumber; worked for Guarantee Plumbing. In 1974 he became a Business Agent, later on, the Business Manager for the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #142.

In 1992, he became the Administrator for the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and was instrumental in getting legislation passed for Medical Gas Certification and Continuing Ed requirements.

He was elected President of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and traveled to many countries where he fostered improvements in building codes protecting and improving drinking water.

He served the city Zoning Commission and the Plumbing Appeals Board.

Besides his strong Union philosophy, he had a lifelong passion for politics, was active in the local & State Democratic Party and was a delegate to the 1972 and 1980 National Democratic Conventions.

He was so proud of his heritage and enjoyed singing with the San Antonio Liederkranz and was a member of the Polish Arts & Cultural Society; he participated in the First San Antonio Folklife Fesitival, leading sing-alongs in the Polish booth.

He served his parish, St. Gerard’s, as a Eucharistic Minister and was on the Elementary School Board. He accompanied his sons to sports functions, both local and out of town.

First and foremost, he loved his family and was diligent in planning yearly camping vacations which gave him great joy in introducing his family to some of the most spectacular National Parks in the USA. On his bucket list, he had wanted to visit Glacier National Park. He loved having his cabin in Rockport where many happy times were enjoyed by family and friends.

Gilbert loved people and was always one to greet you with his quick wit, warm hug, and easy going personality. He loved having parties with family and friends and having sing-a-longs as part of the menu. After he retired, he would often remark that he would like to volunteer where he could spend time just holding and rocking babies as being “Dad” and “Pee-Paw” brought him great joy.

Services

On April 27th: Visitation at 6 pm, Rosary at 7 pm, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, SAT, TX 78249.
On April 29th: Visitation at 8 am, Mass at 9 am at St. Francis of Assist Catholic Church.

Following Mass, a reception will be held at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave., San Antonio, TX 78213. A covered dish will be most appreciated. Meat entrée provided by family.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the San Antonio Liederkranz, c/o 511 Lookout Dr., SAT, 78226, The National Park Foundation, 1110 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 or the charity of your choice.

24 Apr

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Joseph W. “Jody” Steinocher

December 30, 1947 – April 12, 2017

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 30, 1947 to newlyweds Joe and Carol Steinocher, this tiny, premature baby with big blue eyes was the first grandson on both sides of the family and nicknamed “Jody” to distinguish among the Joes in his family.

His dad, an engineering student at Notre Dame, and his mom, a stay-at-home mother, the tiny family lived in Vetville, as the married housing was called, ministered to by Fr. Ted Hesburgh, the chaplain at the time. Soon, though, the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, as his Dad began a long career in civil engineering. This was followed by a return to Cleveland, Ohio, where Jody entered St. Charles Catholic School at the age of 5. Soon thereafter he became a big brother to Jacquelyn Ann, teaching her many things such as reading, kite-flying, and 52-Pickup.

Another move to New Buffalo, Michigan put Jody in Notre Dame Catholic School near the farmhouse rented by the family and quickly saw the addition of two sisters: Michelle Marie and Loreen Jean. The farm owner, Dr. John Valentiejus, became Jody’s Confirmation sponsor.

Dad’s changing jobs took the family to live outside of Charleston, West Virginia, in a quaint log home beside a creek in a “holler.” Jody attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and then entered Charleston Catholic High School. The lack of neighbors in the area forced him to recruit his sisters in many recreational pursuits, including baseball, basketball, and catching minnows in the “crick.” The family was a fortunate survivor of the Flood of 1961, called by some the Flood of Magazine Hollow or the Garrison Avenue Flood, which took 22 lives in the Kanawha Valley.

But Mom’s battle with allergies and asthma forced Dad to relocate yet again, to suburban Miami, Florida, where Jody entered Christopher Columbus High School and graduated in 1965. He entered the University of Miami, majoring in billiards and ping-pong until he discovered a lack of available positions in those areas. Instead, he sought to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1969.

Jody attended basic training at Lackland AFB, (where he learned to hate his nickname, used in marching cadence (“Ain’t no reason to be looking back, Jody has your Cadillac…”) followed by communications training in Biloxi. He rode out Hurricane Camille there and served in disaster relief in its aftermath. Upon graduating from Air Force tech training, his first assignment was overseas, to Incirlik, Turkey, where he frequently took the worst holiday shifts so that married men could be with their families. He made good use of his time overseas to travel, take photos (a new hobby), and purchase exotic gifts for the family.

His next duty station was at Wurtsmith AFB (now closed) in Oscoda, Michigan. He attained the rank of Sergeant, but offers of promotion could not change his mind to leave the Air Force and return to college. After a brief stint as a Gator at the University of Florida, he settled on Florida International University to complete his degree in Industrial Engineering in 1977.

Jody worked in his chosen profession for over 20 years, at companies including Geosource Electronics Systems (Houston, TX), Rockwell-Collins (Cedar Rapids, IA), Martin-Marietta (Denver, CO), Harris Government Aerospace Systems (Melbourne, FL), and Raytheon Missile Systems (Bristol, TN), where he was part of the team that produced Patriot missiles during the First Gulf War. He indulged himself in photography, pen-and-ink drawing, gold prospecting, and gem collecting as hobbies. He loved nothing more than showering his mother and sisters with his discoveries: emeralds, amethysts, rubies, and garnets.

During the layoffs in the defense industry at the close of the war, he found himself unemployed and returned home to Miami just in time to catch Hurricane Andrew. He was invaluable in helping his parents during this time, and worked as a flagman for TASK Surveying, owned by his father. When Mother passed in 1997 after a long battle with COPD, Jody was an important source of emotional support for the family.

Jody was working with an electronics company in Hialeah, Florida, when he began to experience the complications of diabetes that eventually claimed his life. Sidelined by his illness, he lived with Dad and was aided by niece Jessica Rymer Steinhart, allowing them both to stay in their home and share sports passions such as Miami Dolphins football until January 2016 when the senior Joe Steinocher passed away from a stroke. His last year of life was spent in San Antonio, where he learned to enjoy breakfast tacos, fajitas, brunch after Mass, and Spurs basketball (although he rooted for the Heat). While recuperating from surgery, he lived with Linda Leal and Gary Leal in their separate group care homes, and appeared to improve and prosper until the Lord called him home on April 12, 2017.

Mr. Steinocher is survived by three sisters, Jacquelyn Steinocher Scherer (Matt Scherer), Michelle Steinocher Rymer (Todd Rymer) and Loreen Steinocher. He is also survived by four nieces, one nephew and one grand-nephew: Jessica Rymer Steinhart (Jeremy Steinhart); Jennifer Sutton; Valerie Rymer Toth (Chris Toth), Peter Hagen Scherer and Kate Elaine Scherer Wimer (Zachary Wimer); and Bennett Toth (son of Chris and Valerie Toth).

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2017, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017
7:00 P.M.
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

MASS
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017
12:00 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

Interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

18 Apr

To Celebrate a Life of Love: David Bailey

November 23, 1947 – April 13, 2017

Today this world lost a great man, husband, and father. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Bailey, sons, Kevin, Keith, and Kris Bailey, daughters, Nikki Bailey Harris, and Dalene Walker, sister, Jenny Lou Huston, and 5 grandchildren who loved him deeply. David touched the lives of many. He also loved his church and being in the Knights of Columbus and Mens Club. The family would like to thank all his many friends and the doctors and nurses at the Methodist Hospital.

Services

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 4201 De Zavala Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78249 on Tuesday April 18, 2017 with a rosary and funeral services to begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mission Burial Park North at 20900 I.H. 10 West San Antonio, Texas 78230. A reception will follow back at the church after the burial.

06 Apr

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Lillian M. (Lelia) Davis

October 14, 1926 — April 5, 2017

Lelia was the oldest of five children born to Harry Daniel Davis and Mary Elizabeth Mivelaz Davis. Her siblings were Theresa Jean, Mary Harriette, Harry Daniel, Jr. and Raymond Edward. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Theresa and Harriette, brother Ray, niece Karen Livesay. She is survived by brother Harry, sister-in-law Pat, 16 nieces and nephews, 33 great-nieces and nephews and 14 great-great nieces and nephews. She was loved by all!

Lelia attended St. Cecelia’s elementary school, St. Mary’s (downtown) high school and graduated from Harlandale High School in 1942 at the age of 16. She began her career at Kelly Field during WWII and retired from Kelly AFB in 1981 with 29 years of continuous service. Lelia earned her degree in education from St. Mary’s University, having attended evening classes at San Antonio College and St. Mary’s University. After her retirement from Kelly AFB, she began her second career working as a substitute teacher at St. Gregory the Great Elementary School and served as Director at the After School Program at St. Gregory’s school for several years. While only 5 feet tall and only 105 pounds dripping wet, her years of training as defender of the Davis family siblings served her well as disciplinarian in her teaching career when the need arose. Lelia was fun loving and loyal to family and friends—she generously gave all her love, her time, and her resources throughout her entire life. Her sense of humor and zest for life endeared her to everyone who knew her. Lelia was devout in her faith, was a member of Catholic Daughters for many years, and served as Regent of Court Bishop Odin #1758.

Lelia was a lifetime resident of San Antonio, with the exception of a few years she lived in Kingsland, Texas, returning to San Antonio in 2012 where she has resided at Arden Court Memory Care, enlivening the place with her wit, her friendliness and her love of music. Her dance moves are legendary! Our sincere appreciation to the staff of Arden Court for their loving care and friendship, and to Gentiva Hospice staff for the care and support during her final days.

Services

Visitation will begin Sunday, April 9, 2017 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North at 6 pm. A Vigil Service will begin at 7 pm. Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 10, 2017 at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church followed by interment in San Fernando Cemetery #2. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Presentation Sisters or a Hospice group of your choice.

14 Mar

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Argentina M. Torres

January 28, 1924 – March 5, 2017

Our beloved “Memo” was born in San Antonio and is an original descendant of the Canary Islanders. Married to Arnold “Papa” for 39 years before his passing, she worked hard to create a beautiful and loving home for her only daughter and her grandchildren. In her later years, she spent much of her time with her great-grandchildren stressing the importance of family and faith, and keeping all of the many loved ones in her extended family together and close. Memo touched so many hearts and leaves a beautiful legacy of love and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Torres, her parents, Victorino & Ester Madrid, and her brothers, Artemio, Armando, and Arturo.

She is survived by her sister, Armida Zamarripa, her daughter, Norma Gallegos, and her grandchildren, Nicole & Scott Cleveland and Matthew and Lori Gallegos, her great-grandchildren, Jake & Josh Cleveland and Ben & Bella Gallegos, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Services

Visitation will be from 6-7 pm on Monday, March 13 at Roy Akers Funeral Home, located at 515 N. Main Ave. A memorial service will follow at 7 pm.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 am on Tuesday, March 14 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

22 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Norm Elder

November 1, 1938 – February 21, 2017

Norm Elder, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, in San Antonio, TX. A vigil will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, March 2. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, March 3. Both services will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church