Deacon Irineo Gonzalez Jr.

“The Lord Speaks, ‘Well done, good servant. You have been faithful…’” - Luke 19:17 EDINBURG – Deacon Irineo Gonzalez, Jr., 71, of Edinburg, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at his home with family members at his side. Irineo, born on April 12, 1944 in Mission and raised in his hometown, was one of two sons and two daughters of Irineo and Maria (Torres) Gonzalez. He would go on to live a remarkable life of accomplishments, dedication, and contributions to his nation, profession, community, and especially to his faith and family. Along with his wife, Tula, they would raise a wonderful and honorable family. On October 3, 2015, Irineo and Tula, who survives him, would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Irineo is also survived by their two daughters, Dr. Sonia Lamar (Robert) Razzetti of Boston, Massachusetts, and Monette Margot (Javier) Rodriguez of McAllen, grandsons Christopher Javier Rodriguez and Noah Joseph Razzetti, and granddaughters Karolina Lamar Rodriguez and Ella Maria Razetti. He is also survived by two sisters, Pura (Juan) Cano of Mission and Rosenda (Jose) Garcia of Kingsville, along with numerous nephews, nieces and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother Isidro Gonzalez and sister Irene Gonzalez Vera. A U.S. Army veteran from 1965 to 1968, he valiantly answered our Country’s Call to Duty as an enlisted man. Irineo would return to South Texas following his honorable discharge from his military service. He was a valued member of AT&T (he retired after more than 30 years), pursued higher education (majoring in Business Administration with a Minor in History at Pan American College/University), and fulfilled all of the highest requirements to become a deacon. He was ordained a deacon on May 12, 1990 by Bishop John Fitzpatrick of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville. Irineo dedicated more than 25 years to the Lord as a deacon, principally serving the needs of parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Edinburg, but making himself available to all who needed him. Irineo’s many achievements were the result of his hard work, determination, intelligence, humor, compassion, and wisdom. But he was always the first to say that his successes were blessings bestowed upon him by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A self-made man from humble beginnings, Irineo was exalted by his deep faith to comfort and protect the least among us, while inspiring all the people that he met to love your neighbor as yourself, and to love the Lord your God above all. As a deacon in St. Joseph Parish, he served alongside his pastor at Sunday Masses, delivering the sacraments and conducting Communion Service, quinceañeras, and funerals. He also led Bible studies and prayer groups, and prepared couples for marriage and baptism. Irineo and Tula exercised joint ministries. It is fitting that Irineo was also devoted to St. Joseph, for whom St. Joseph Church in Edinburg is his namesake. St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father our Our Lord Jesus Christ, loved Mary and Jesus and wanted to protect and provide for them. Joseph is the patron of many things, including the universal church, fathers, the dying and social justice. Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Rosary and prayer service on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Edinburg. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.