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13 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: John Edmund Rangel

January 20, 1979 – February 8, 2017

Beloved father, son, and brother, Sgt. John Edmund Rangel, US Army (Ret), age 38, passed away on Tuesday February 8, 2017 in San Antonio, TX after a short illness.

He is survived by his mother Diana Hinojosa Rangel, his three children: Edmund Michael Rangel, Natalie Sierra Rangel and Jakob Mercado, (April, mother to Natalie Rangel and Jakob Mercado); brother, Stephen Edward Rangel, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members as well as his Brothers in Arms. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Martin Rangel.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army in Kuwait, Bosnia, and Iraq and received several Decorations, Medals and Citations during his service. John Edmund, above all, loved spending time with his beloved family and sharing stories with his Brothers In Arms. He cherished every minute fishing with friends and family and sharing pictures of his of catches, be they small or large, with all of his cousins and friends.

Services

Visitation will be held at Porter Loring North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East on Wednesday, February 15th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM.

On Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 PM, a Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala followed by a service a Fort Sam Houston with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite Wounded Warrior organization.

06 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: John James Senyszyn, M.D.

October 12, 1939 – December 31, 2016

Suddenly taken from us on December 31, 2016 in Alto, New Mexico, John Senyszyn, M.D., was preceded in death by mother Nellie Senyszyn and father Wasyl Senyszyn; also, by sister Mary Wysocki, brothers Nicholas Senyszyn and Alexander Senyszyn, nephew James Senyszyn, and granddaughter Nina Coco-Senyszyn.

John was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1939. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, City College of New York, and Seton Hall Medical School. He did his residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center – New York in Radiation Oncology. He served in the public health service at the National Cancer Institute from 1968-1970.
John moved into private practice in El Paso, Texas, and worked for 36 years as a Radiation Oncologist in El Paso, Las Cruces, and the surrounding areas. He retired in 2011 and settled in San Antonio, Texas. He was known by his patients, colleagues, and family for his goodness, generosity, and kindness of heart. He was respected and loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dorothy; his sons Paul, Richard and wife Claire, Stephen and wife Georgina, and Adrian and wife Gaynor; grandchildren Peter, Katie, Caroline, Kevin, Andrew, Cora, Theo, Oliver, Miles and Ken; sisters Ann Marko, Helen Hawkins and husband George Hawkins; and multiple nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed and is forever in our hearts.

Service

Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10 am on February 10. The family requests that donations be made to American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.

06 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gordon Philip Taylor

June 27, 1951 – January 29, 2017

Gordon Philip Taylor once said, “God and me are good!” And perhaps that is what subtly drove the life of this warm, generous, and selfless man adored by all he so deeply touched in his life. He was born and raised in Detroit, MI, the first of four children of Gordon and Marcella. He graduated with a history degree from the University of Detroit/Mercy. ROTC in college led him to continue in the Army. That’s when he and Sandy connected in their group of friends, became a couple, and married in 1974. When they first met, Sandy told him she’d never marry a military man; well, their destiny changed. The Army brought them to San Antonio shortly after marrying. Sons Andy and Chris came along and so did a new career in computer systems for what was then Titan Insurance, eventually becoming Travelers, where he spent his whole working career.

As a dad, Gordy led by example to the boys rather than with harsh words, and neighbor kids would come to him for advice and direction. He gave the kids such great memories. He was always up for an adventure—like a family cattle drive a la City Slickers in Colorado. That continued with the grandkids who adored their “Papa.”

In marriage, he and Sandy were a fun and funny couple—the one everyone wanted to be—clearly in love, and that never changed in 42 years. “Just precious,” Sandy says of him.

At work, he didn’t own his accomplishments, but always gave credit to the team. He had a unique way, for a computer guy, to understand the business side and translate it to the computer side. His coworkers admired, trusted, and loved him.

Gordy was a constant learner and voracious reader, especially of history. His friends eagerly awaited his famous Monday morning haiku compositions. He loved cooking, from making bread and baking cookies for the grandkids to meal prep for countless Teen ACTS retreat weekends. He had a particular heart for serving the poor with Habitat for Humanity, Under the Bridge, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and at the Benedictine mission house in Eagle Pass.

Gordy lived his life as a selfless servant of all he met, treating all with kindness. He could connect with anyone and was a dear friend to so many. He bravely withstood a tough battle with cancer this past year. His family and closest friends encircled him with love as he moved into the arms of God.

Gordon leaves wife Sandy, children Andrew and his wife Jakie, Christopher and his wife Laurie, Brian and his wife Jennifer. Oh, how he loved his grandchildren Alexandra, Tekoa, Jude, Scarlett Sky, and Jordon. He leaves behind not only family but many, many members of our St. Francis of Assisi parish and his office family; he loved all of you so very much.

Services

A vigil will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, February 8. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday, February 9. Both services will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Francis of Assisi’s Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

27 Jan

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Dr. James R. Duke

August 10, 1928 – January 17, 2017

A fervent Aggie, James R. Duke, M.D. age 88, passed away January 17, 2017. He was born August 10, 1928, in Laredo, Texas to Innes and Consuelo Duke. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and wife, Ralph and Gloria Duke; and brother-in-law, Alfonso Valls. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemary Green Duke; daughter, Joan Duke Olivencia, her husband Juan, and their children, Nicholas Olivencia, Luisa Olivencia and fiancé Erich Ellis; daughter, Jennifer Duke Conner, her husband Bill, and their children, Thomas Conner and wife Michelle and a second great-grandchild on the way, Amy Conner Warlick and husband Justin and their daughter Blakely Ann, and Leanna Conner; daughter, Ellen Duke Drury, her husband Paul, and their children, Allison Drury, Lawson Drury and Vivian Drury, son, James R. Duke, Jr. and husband, Jeffrey Reid; and Jim’s sister, Doris Duke Valls.

For forty-one years Jim described his problems as “little ones” throughout his pediatric practice in San Antonio. Jim graduated from Texas A&M, class of ’49 and served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army earning the bronze star for meritorious service. Later he graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1958. Jim completed his pediatric residency in 1961, under the Baylor University Medical program in Houston Texas, and subsequently moved to San Antonio to open his private practice.

MEMORIAL MASS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017
10:30 A.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DE ZAVALA ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78249

A private burial service will be held in Fort Sam Houston at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Association of Former Students for the James R Duke’49 Memorial Ring Scholarship. TAMU online gifts may be made here: https://www.aggienetwork.com/aggie-ring-scholarship.aspx or mailed to 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840. Or memorial contributions may be mailed to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 6301 Culebra & St. Joseph Way, San Antonio, TX 78238-4909.

The family would like to thank All County Hospice, particularly Dr Jeff Ethridge, Gayle, Rebecca, Michael, and Isella, as well as Tabitha and Benjamin Mogus and Katy of the Happy Living Care Home in Boerne for Jim’s loving care at the end of his life.

8 Dec

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Guadalupe “Memo” Rosales

September 8, 1930 – December 3, 2016

guadalupe-rosales-photoGuadalupe Heredia Rosales, 86, began her journey home to be with Spirit on December 3, 2016. She was surrounded by the love and support of her family in her final hours. She will be greeted in heaven by her husband Beto Rosales, parents Beatriz and Jesus Heredia, and brothers Andrew, Jose and Juan Heredia.

Guadalupe was born in Gonzales, Texas on September 8, 1930. She professed her life to Christ at an early age and was united in holy matrimony to Norberto “Beto” Rosales on April 11, 1959. This union was blessed with two children. She supported her family by pursuing her passion in life as a seamstress, and had the fortune of raising 4 generations of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. Her favorite pastime was relaxing in her sanctuary tending to her outdoor garden. As matriarch of the family, she leaves behind her teachings and legacy inspired by love, generosity, kindness and compassion.

Her beautiful life will forever be honored and cherished in the lives of her two children Bert and Mabel, grandchildren Brian, Eric, Erika, Zachary, Triston, great grandchildren Brian, Julius, Andrew, Brooke, Beverly, Mariaemilia, Eliana, Santiago, Gavin, Braylon, great-great grandchild Davian, siblings Jesus, Pauline, Alice, Manuel, Gloria, Concepción, and Lisa.

Memo, you will be greatly missed and we will always carry your memory in our hearts and souls! May your spirit soar to new heights, and may your impact on Earth continue to be felt through the healing power of love.

30 Sep

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Thomas M. Halloran

February 20, 1932 – September 29, 2016

Thomas M. Halloran of Hollywood Park passed away September 29, 2016, at the age of 84 after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Alverne Oakes Halloran; sons, John Halloran, Michael Halloran and wife Sharon, Craig Oakes and wife Lori, Troy Oakes; daughters, Ann Halloran Hetrick, Colette Oakes Hardin, and Colleen Oakes Turner and husband Todd. Tom enjoyed and was beloved by his Grandchildren, David and Andrew Halloran and wife Priscilla, Robert Oakes, Logan Hardin, Hannah and Sarah Turner and Azure Ayres, as well as Great Grandsons, Paxton Halloran and Jude Kreusel. He is also survived by his brother Robert Halloran, sisters Arlene Murphy and Karol Baumeister, as well as brother-in-law Eugene Rancone, sister-in-law Iris Halloran and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was born on February 20, 1932, in Willmar, Minnesota and raised in Bird Island, Minnesota where he attended St. Mary’s School, graduating in 1950. He was preceded in death by his parents, Veronica Hillemeier Halloran and Michael Patrick Halloran; brother, William Halloran and sister, Bernardine Rancone, as well as brothers-in-law, Arthur Baumiester and James Murphy and sister-in-law Bessie Halloran.

Tom served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a B29 Flight Engineer/Crew Chief. After his service, he was employed by Hayes Aircraft Corporation and later retired as a Contract Administrator from Kelly Air Force Base after 32 years of service.

Tom served as a member of the Hollywood Park City Council as well as Chairman of the Zoning Commission. He was a charter member of St. Mark’s the Evangelist Catholic Church, member of Knights of Columbus #7613, past president of Spring Branch Hermann Sons Lodge #127, life member of Bracken Bowling Club and active in the Boy Scouts of America, Boy Scout Troop #286 of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and Troop #271 of St. Matthews Catholic Church, serving as an Assistant District Commissioner and inducted into the Order of the Arrow and Wood Badge. He also was a Lifesaving & Water Safety Instructor and First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross.

He and Alverne enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the United States and to Monzanillo, Mexico as well as taking many adventurous cruises. They cherished their frequent trips to beautiful Minnesota to visit family. Tom enjoyed the outdoors taking pride in maintaining his yard in Hollywood Park as well as hosting friends and family in Spring Branch on the Guadalupe River. He always followed sports, especially the Vikings and the University of Minnesota. He loved deer hunting, bowling, woodworking, and was always up for telling a good story.

Services

A vigil and rosary will be held at 7 pm on Monday, October 3 at Porter Loring North. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10 am on Tuesday, October 4. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Donations may be made to St. Mary’s School, P.O. Box 500, Bird Island, MN 55310 or charity of your choice.

30 Sep

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gloria R. Guerrero

kathy-hassengers-momAugust 27, 1928 – September 28, 2016

Gloria R. Guerrero passed away peacefully at home, after struggling with Alzheimer’s, on September 28, 2016 at the age of 88. Preceded in death by parents Francisco Rodriguez and Herminia C. Flores. She is survived by husband of 64 years, Arthur P. Guerrero.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Kathy (Dan) Hassenger, Margie (Bobby) Rosas, Sandy Guerrero, Roselle Smith, Larry (Peggy) Guerrero, Kenny Guerrero, step-sister Diane Monsalvo. Grandchildren: Monica, Lauryn, Alex, Nathan, Marshal, Bryan, Tabitha; great grandchild Jacob.

Services

Visitation: Monday October 3, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Celebration Service 7:00 p.m. at funeral home.
Mass of Resurrection: Tuesday October 4, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery#2.

27 Sep

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Robert Morris Bishop, Jr.

robert-bishop-obituary-photoApril 11, 1957 – September 19, 2016

Robert, 59, passed away on September 19, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born April 11, 1957 in San Antonio, Texas to Lucy and Robert Bishop Sr. He attended John Marshall High School in San Antonio and graduated from Texas State University in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration (Marketing). He began his career at Bealls in 1979, where he rose to acting credit manager. Rob joined USAA in 1985 where he remained until 2007. Rob began in new member sales at USAA and advanced to New Member Solutions Manager in 1996. After being selected to join the USAA management team opening the Phoenix operation in 1996, he relocated to Phoenix. In 2007, Rob embarked upon a major career change and enrolled in the Scottsdale Culinary Institute a Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Program. He was then hired by Carefree Resorts as their first ever Pastry Chef.

Rob had a deep love of history and reading. His home, and even his car, was filled with a diverse variety of historical books. Anyone who knew him knows he was never without a book. He also loved old television shows and movies and could expound on trivia for hours.  His interest in family history led him to collect and post interesting historical photos of many ancestors for his extended family. Rob’s other passion was with social and political issues. Beginning as early as 1979 Rob was writing letters to his local representatives and newspapers. With the advent of the internet and social media, he posted and reacted often through his online presence, frequently with comments reflecting his dry sense of humor – something else for which Rob was known. Rob could take any situation and find something unexpectedly humorous.

While at USAA, fellow employees have remarked about his talents as a manager who truly cared about his people. He was a wonderful guy and a great person to work with. Friends have commented how he taught them the meaning of true friendship, and even though he might have disagreed with someone, he always remained kind to and respectful of them. A friend commented that one of Rob’s last Facebook posts dealt with Betty Lynn and the Andy Griffith Show. In it Rob said, “One of my all-time favorite TV shows for its focus and respect for individuals and human relationships.” Steve went on to say, “Wow, just loved this small reflection, and truly you see a small portion of Rob’s heart for people and relationships in his quote.”

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Sr. and grandmother Iris Bishop and grandfather Garland Bishop. He is survived by his mother Lucy Bishop; sisters Joni (Rick) Beal and Terri (Mac) Perry; brother Greg (Nanette) Bishop; nephews Daniel Perry, Jacob Perry, Brandon (Whitney) Beal, Ryan Beal, and Layne (Genia) Beal, and nieces Stephanie (Scott) Mussell and Sarah Perry.

Services

There will be Memorial Services in both Phoenix, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas. The Phoenix service will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, September 26, 2016 in Hansen Mortuary located at 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Arizona (602-944-1561). The San Antonio service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, September 29th at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas (210-492-4600).

Please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity in Rob’s memory.

06 Jul

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Anne Louise Bernhard

Anne Louise BernhardANNE LOUISE (CHAPATY) BERNHARD  (1927-2016)
For her, family and faith in God are everything.
In her passing from this life to the next, Anne Louise Bernhard continues to teach all of us about the power of faith and unceasing strength even in life’s worst challenges.
Mother of five, grandmother of 18, servant and friend, Anne Louise Bernhard left this earth to be with the Lord on July 1, 2016, after a long battle with the physical suffering and pain caused by arthritis and a stroke. She was 89 years old.
Through it all, her smile reflected her unrelenting trust in God. Her determined blue eyes inspired her loving doctors and nurses and touched the hearts of caregivers who worked tirelessly to bring her comfort.
Her tenacious energy and fortitude were born on a farm in Loire, Texas, where she was ushered into life April 21, 1927, to parents Annie Kolonko and Alphonse Chapaty.
The fourth of five girls, Anne and her sisters have shared stories about their Czech heritage, working with their mother and father in the country just south of San Antonio, and their struggles to maintain their farm during the Great Depression, all grounded in a powerful faith in God.
She had recalled spending her younger days picking cotton, growing grapes and vegetables, and caring for horses, cows and chickens while living in a house often lit with lanterns. She and her sisters have told stories about walking several miles to a one-room school house, going to Mass and Sunday picnics at St. Luke Catholic Church, playing in the fields and swimming in the livestock tank.
She once recalled watching fighter planes roar above her farm on World War II training missions. One of her lasting memories includes climbing a windmill to kickstart the blades for pumping water in the heat of long dry, windless summers.
She credited God for pulling her through the high fevers of diphtheria she endured as a young girl. Her deep spirituality and dedication to God was portrayed in stories she told about how she prayed every day, even when a scorpion bit her foot as she knelt in prayer one night.
Anne was 16 years old and in 10th grade when her father died. To make ends meet she quit school, leaving the farm life behind to work at a bank in San Antonio but returning often to visit the cemetery where her father was buried along with two infant brothers she never knew.
On Nov, 8, 1952, at the age of 25, Anne Chapaty married Eugene Anthony Bernhard of San Antonio, a man who had just finished a stint with the U.S. Army during World War II. They met and fell in love while attending supper club socials. They had five children.
Anne stayed home to care for her family as her husband worked two jobs often at night as a machinist for the San Antonio Express-News and a telegraph operator for Western Union to help pay Catholic school tuition for their children.
Shepherded in strong faith, the family of seven could often be found sitting in the front row for Mass each Sundayat Mission San Jose, where Anne served with the Altar Society. She sang in the church choir, joined by all seven members of her family.
A talented seamstress, she often made dresses for her two daughters. Her recipes graced the dining room table with delicious meals. Cakes she designed in the shape of animals were centerpieces for her children’s birthday parties. Even into her 80s, she remembered the birthday of each of her children and grandchildren with a card.
She helped care for her mother as she aged. In 1975, her husband died of a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 52.
Anne, who didn’t have a high school diploma, checked out books to study and received her G.E.D. She went back to work as a dressing room attendant at  Montgomery Ward and a bookkeeper for Steve’s & Sons Lumber Yard and Gruen & Miller Flasher Equipment Co.
She was honored with a medal from the Archdiocese of San Antonio for her service to the Catholic Church. She was among those selected from various parishes to serve as an usher at the outdoor Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II during his visit to San Antonio in 1987.
Screenshot_2016-07-01-11-32-25In her 60s, she journeyed to Italy for a trip with parishioners from her church. It was one of the few times she had ever traveled on an airplane.
Remaining a widow for about 40 years after her husband died, she drove her own car and mowed her own grass at the house on San Antonio’s southside where she surrounded herself with her children and grandchildren. Even to the end, she reveled in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, attending high school graduations, college commencements and weddings or celebrating through photos.
Finding strength in God, she attended Mass daily until limits of age restricted her mobility. Close to the Blessed Virgin Mary, even in sickness she was seldom found without a rosary in her hand, which she prayed with reverence.
After suffering a stroke at her home, she lost the ability to speak and eat and was confined to a wheelchair then a bed for most of the year and four months she spent at Westover Hills Rehabilitation Center, where she finally succumbed to her long illness and died in her sleep.
She is free from pain now, finding her independence once again as she continues to pray for us in peaceful reunion with her loving husband, parents and two sisters, Clara Koch and Regina Boullt, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sisters, Adele Robinson of Houston and Eulalia Harris of New Orleans; five children, Paul Bernhard and his wife, Barbara, of Boerne; Annette Nevins and her husband, John, of Plano; Louise Raab and her husband, Ronnie, of San Antonio; Thomas Bernhard and his wife, Theresa, of Round Rock; and Don Bernhard and his wife, Tracy, of San Antonio. She has 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by readings and a recitation of the rosary from 7 to 8:30 Thursday, July 7 at Brookehill Funeral Home, 711 S.E. Military Drive in San Antonio. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 8, at Mission San Jose Parish at 701 E. Pyron Ave. followed by a procession to the cemetery at 17501 Nacogdoches Road in San Antonio.
20 Jun

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Chad David Simmons

Simmons_ChadMarch 13, 1982 – June 15, 2016
Chad David Simmons, 34 of San Antonio, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 15, 2016. He was born March 13, 1982 in Reno, Nevada to David and Sally Simmons. Chad was surrounded by family and friends that he had touched throughout his memorable life. His one-of-a-kind, unique laugh along with his quick wit will remain in our hearts forever.
He attended Holy Spirit Catholic School; a 2000 graduate of Winston Churchill High School; and a 2004 graduate of The University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s Degree. His professional career began as Marketing Director with Open Sided MRI.

Chad was born with a passion for swimming. He began competing at age 5, excelled throughout high school and gained a swim scholarship to Tampa. His accomplishments included: District & Regional Qualifier, Swimmer of the Year, All American, Athlete of the Year San Antonio Express News, Churchill High School State Championship 2000.

He is survived by his parents, younger brothers Clay Simmons and Cody Simmons, paternal Aunt Dawn Gwin of Santa Fe. Maternal relatives of Cheshire, England and the United Kingdom: Grandmother Judith Swindells, Grandfather Harry Tomlinson (Margaret); Uncle David Tomlinson (Deborah), Uncle Martin Swindells (Clare), Uncle Ian Swindells, Uncle Paul Tomlinson (Anne), Uncle Nicholas Swindells (Melanie) and numerous cousins; as well as many cherished friends.

He is proceeded in death by paternal Grandparents Edwin and Janette Ryan, A.L. Simmons Jr., and maternal Grandfather Anthony Swindells.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals at Methodist Metropolitan Hospital, who provided gracious loving care and support to Chad, his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the Simmons Family appreciates donations made in memoriam of Chad Simmons to TracysDogs, Attn: Tracy Voss 11765 West Avenue, #141 San Antonio, Texas 78216.

Services

Services will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78249.

Reception will follow.

Published in Express-News on June 19, 2016

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