Jose Antonio Montenegro

Weslaco: Jose Antonio Montenegro, 68, passed away at his home on Friday, April 8th, 2022. On October 23rd, 1953, Jose was born, the firstborn son of Lucio and Celestina (Rivera) Montenegro in Weslaco, Texas. Jose grew up in Weslaco, played the trumpet in the band, and graduated from Weslaco Highschool. Shortly after graduating, Jose met his soulmate, Ester Gonzales, at a dance in La Feria. Jose and Ester were married soon and spent the rest of their lives together, raising seven children.

Jose was a hard-working man and a great provider for his family. He was a dedicated employee, working for McManus Produce for over thirty years until they closed. Jose spent the rest of his career working in the custodial department at Weslaco Independent School District.

When Jose wasn’t working, one of his favorite pastimes was fishing and spending time outdoors. However, he was most passionate about sports, especially football. So Jose’s perfect day was a barbecue with friends and family, a few football games, and a big win on the football pot. Jose worked very hard, but he loved to try his luck by betting on the games and playing the lottery. The excitement and risk made the games more fun.

Jose was a great role model. He was a loving husband and father, patient and strong, and always willing to help someone in need, family, friends, or strangers.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, Lucio and Celestina Montenegro.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty six years, Ester, children, Melissa Hernandez (Jaime) of Weslaco, Jose Antonio Montenegro Jr. of La Feria, Patricia Torres (Robert) of Mercedes, Cristina Cantu (Bryan) of Donna, Ana Montenegro (Arnulfo Gaytan) of Weslaco, Daniel Lucio Montenegro (Maritza Garza) of Donna, and Griselda Medelez (Fabian) of Weslaco, brothers, Lucio Montenegro Jr. (Alejandrina) of Houston, Erasmo Montenegro (Evelyn) of Austin, Jaime Montenegro of Weslaco, and San Juanita Alcantar (Miguel) of Alamo, grandchildren, Briana Celest Hernandez, Jaime Javier Hernandez II, Jose Antonio Montenegro III, Damian Montenegro, Delilah Montenegro, Ethan Montenegro, Brittney Lyan Torres, Roberto Carlos Torres Jr., Rolando Torres, Ashley Danielle Cantu, Bryan Daniel Cantu, Joseph Armando Cantu, Mark Anthony Montenegro, Dereck Anthony Fraire, Kayla Nichole Fraire, Lucia Gaytan, Daniel Arturo Montenegro, Devin Lamar Montenegro, Erasmo Medelez II, Evan Medelez, Erikk Medelez, great-grandchildren, Linda Celestina Cantu, Joel Ali Zuniga, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, April 11th, 10 am-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 12th, at 2 pm, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Weslaco. Cremation and burial of ashes will be private.