Mario Alejo Cantu Jr.

MARIO ALEJO CANTU, JR. SAN JUAN – Mario Alejo Cantu Jr., 44, died Sunday, January 18, 2015. You have been enlightened by Christ. Walk always as children of the light and keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts. When the Lord comes, may you go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom. (Catholic Baptismal Rite) Mario was the epitome of a father, a husband, a brother, a son, a friend, and most of all a Christian and a true gentleman. Few men impact the world around them as Mario did with his unwavering and devout love for Jesus Christ. He took advantage of God’s gifts and grace by enjoying hunting and fishing with his dad and cousins, he exercised fervently, he sang Karaoke, he loved traveling, he was a great cook and loved to barbecue but most of all he loved his wife, Melissa and his daughter, Zienna. Mario was instrumental in bringing ACTS to the Rio Grande Valley. He was a true and beautiful example of an ACTS brother, not only going through the retreat but then living it and quietly but passionately inviting others to do the same. ACTS has grown with the many family and friends that answered Mario’s call and will readily continue to share his light. Born in McAllen, he had lived in San Juan all of his life and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan. Mario graduated from UTPA with a Master’s degree in rehab counseling. Mario is survived by his wife, Melissa Tan Cantu; a daughter, Zienna Leigh Cantu; his parents, Mario Alejo Cantu Sr. and Olivia S. Cantu, all of San Juan; his sister, Michelle (Andres) Gonzalez, of Eagle Pass; a nephew, Patrick David; a niece, Rebecca Sophia; his mother-in-law, Eva Tan, of McAllen; and two brothers-in-law and their families, Eric Tan and Michael Tan, of Austin. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.