Jose Cesareo Coronado

Jose C. Coronado went to be with the Lord on May 26, 2023, at the age of 84, at McAllen Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Policarpo and Francisca E. Coronado, his brother Claudio (Anita) and Tino Coronado.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Imelda Vela Coronado, his devoted children, Roxanna C. Papadimitriou and David A. Coronado (Angie), his beautiful grandchildren, Michael Papadimitriou, Mark Coronado and Kaitlyn Coronado. Also surviving him are his sisters, Carmen Salinas, Dr. Cruz Torres (Ramiro), Maria Theeuwes, and his brother Kat Coronado (Sonia).

Jose was the 4th of 7 children born to Policarpo and Francisca Escamilla Coronado of Zapata, Texas. He graduated Valedictorian of his Zapata High School class of 1957 at the age of 17, and attended Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, TX (now Texas A&M, Kingsville) graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture. While attending Texas A&I, he was a member of Alpha Tau Alpha. He worked his way thru college during his time at A&I, graduating in May of 1961.

He briefly taught at Zapata ISD, for a few months before enlisting with the US Army, where he was stationed at Fort Chafee. He was an instructor in Detachment 7 of the division's 100th Regiment when he entered the Army in October 1961. He was then made an Honorary Kentuckian by the 100th Division, a Kentucky reserve unit on active duty at Fort Chaffee, Ark. The citation signed by Kentucky Gov. Bert T. Combes and division Commander Major General Dillnian A. Rash, read: "Pvt. Jose C. Coronado having served with honor, distinction and devotion as a member of Kentucky's 100th Division, is hereby adopted as an honorary Kentuckian."

Jose married his wife, Imelda Vela, also from Zapata, on December 22, 1962 in Zapata, TX., who joined him at Ft. Chaffee for the remainder of his military service. After his honorable discharge he returned to their hometown of Zapata, where he returned to teach with Zapata ISD where they started their small family.

Attracted to the business world, a year later he went to work with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company where he started as a credit manager to managing several of their stores, eventually buying a franchise in 1975, Northside Tire Center, now known as a Firestone Tire Company Store. After selling Northside Tire Center, he owned 2 restaurant businesses which he sold upon retirement and went back to his beloved interest--teaching, where he again retired due to a long courageous battle with Diabetes and kidney failure.

Their long marriage of 61 years was blessed with two children, three grandchildren, many beloved relatives, teacher friends, loving neighbors, Texas Restaurant Association friendships, COPA Club friends, coffee club friends with his adopted brothers, whom he came to see as family.

Jose always believed that education is key to a society of peace, lawfulness and mutual respect for everyone's human rights, free of bias or control. He instilled in his children that freedom requires great sacrifices, and it never comes free.

Jose and his wife had a strong bond uniting them, always committed to be their own caregivers not wanting to be a burden to others during difficult health challenges for both. They felt self-caregiving, painstakingly and for each other, completely until the end, is one of the most sacred gifts a human being can offer for the glory of God.

The Coronado family kindly wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen, TX or to the RGV Food Bank.

Gathering of family and friends will be Monday , June 5,2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the recital of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 pm. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 6,2023 at 10:00 am at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans cemetery in mission.

Funeral Services by Rivera Funeral Home, of McAllen, TX.

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