Abelardo Frias

Mercedes- Abelardo “Abel” Frias, 20, passed away on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023. Abel was born to Ramon and Teresa Frias on October 13th, 2002, in Weslaco, Texas. He was baptized at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Progreso as a toddler. Then, the family moved to Mercedes, where Abel played soccer and football. 

While living in Mercedes, Abel received his first communion and was confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Abel graduated from Mercedes High School. He was intelligent and fearless. Abel and their older sister, Samantha, were less than two years apart, but Abel was the first one to ride a bike, drive a car, and get a job, to name a few. 

Abel loved the outdoors and nature. He would scare his mom and sisters with lizards and other insects he found around the yard. Abel enjoyed fishing with his friends. He liked working out and could walk for hours. One of Abel’s favorite places to go was the park. 

Abel had lots of friends. He was a gamer and loved to play video games. He also liked cruising around town, enjoying a cold beer and cheeseburger, and listening to music. Abel and his friends were also fond of muscle cars. 

Abel was soft-spoken but very caring. He took the family dog, Choco, on a daily walk and cared for their cat, Ponchis. 

Abel’s friends describe him as a hard worker, honest, loyal, positive, and courageous—all qualities of a true friend. 

Abel is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Antonia Contreras, paternal grandparents, Abel T. Frias and Paula Avalos Ortiz, and uncles, Carmelo Frias and Juan Contreras. 

He is survived by his parents, Ramon and Teresa Frias; maternal grandfather, Roberto Contreras; siblings, Samantha Marie, Paola Berenice, Leonardo, Lucia Guadalupe, and Fatima Rose Frias; aunts and uncles, Soccoro Frias (Jesus Salazar), Francisa Frias (Jose Luis Ontivieros), Margarita Frias, Beatriz Frias (Onorio), Eric Frias (Lucila), Rogelio Frias, Juan Frias (Fatima), Maria Castillo (Jose), Magdalena Contreras (Salvador Araugo), Guillermo Contreras, Maria Elisa Hernandez, Alberto Contreras, Sylvia Perez (Larry), Maria Saucedo (Octaviano), Maria Torres (Jose), Jose Contreras (Blanca Munoz), numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be Saturday, May 27th, 1pm-9 pm, and Sunday, May 28th, 1pm -9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm both evenings. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 29th, at 10 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mercedes, followed by burial at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes.