Santana Abrigo

WESLACO - Santana, better known as Tony, of Weslaco, entered the newness of life on April, 29, 2018 when our Lord God called him home. Abrigo went with our Lord peacefully after suffering a catastrophic heart attack, surrounded by family as he held his wife's hand. He will be most remembered for his great faith, strength, courage and his willingness to serve others. He will be dearly missed by his family, the community of Weslaco, St. Pius Catholic Church, and Fire Departments across the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Abrigo was born in Encino, Texas, raised in Victoria, Texas and resided in Weslaco, Texas since 1964. Living on a ranch in Victoria, he helped his father, a cowboy, care for the cattle. He often talked about his duties and adventures riding his most loved horse, Perra, who he rescued and trained bribing her with pears to trust him as she was mistreated by others. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his county six years. He was stationed in Germany and was a sergeant. He joined the Army so that he could serve his country, help his brother, Pete, go to college and help support his sister, Rose, her daughter. When he came to Weslaco with his brother, Pete Abrigo, Abrigo began working at Weslaco Motors and was a mechanic. He always was an honest and hard worker. He was a skilled mechanic, a trade he learned in the military. He was an expert in repairing cotton combines, tractors, and other heavy machinery. Abrigo also worked as a bus driver for the Weslaco Independent School District and was very involved in 4-H, FFA, and the stock shows when his children participated in these activities. Abrigo will most be remembered as the Weslaco Fire Chief. Tony Abrigo began his fire service career as a volunteer fire fighter for the City of Weslaco and eventually joined the ranks as a full time firefighter moving up to the fire chief to include the emergency manager. Tony led the progressive fire department for many years in which he championed the Fire EMS based service and the specialized rescue and haz-mat teams for the department all of which is still in place today. Because of his continued desire to improve the fire service he joined several associations to include becoming the President of the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshalls Association and being a strong contributor to the Hidalgo County Fire Chief's association. Abrigo felt that firefighter education and training was extremely important for the fire service. He assisted with the creation of a regional fire academy and since its creation it has trained many firefighters. He was also an active instructor training in several regional schools. His love for the fire service was great and his contributions will definitely be missed. Abrigo was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church. He loved our Lord God and had a special devotion to our Blessed Mother. He exhibited great faith and was very prayerful. He was involved in different ministries at his parish which included Alter Society, Cub Scouts, Knights of Columbus and Adoration. He spent many hours in the Adoration Chapel giving thanks and praise to God for the many blessings and miracles that he and his family received. Santana (Tony) Abrigo is proceeded in death by his parents, Tomas and Francisca Ramirez Abrigo, sister, Teresa, and brothers, Pete (Terry) and Thomas (Margie) Abrigo. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Raquel Correa Abrigo, and his children, Velma Marie Abrigo, Vincent (Kimberly) Abrigo and Veronica (Carmen) Abrigo. He had one granddaughter, Kiran Isabella, daughter to Vince. Abrigo loved his granddaughter immensely saying she was his greatest gift calling her his "Perfect, Perfect Baby." Abrigo also had honorary sons, Robert (Samantha) Mumford and Peter Hererra as he always referred to them as his sons. Abrigo is survived by his siblings, Rosa Abrigo, Frances (Johnny) Montalvo, Sally Abrigo, Dr. Rosario (Elyass) Taimouri and Maria (Manuel) Carmona and many nephews and nieces whom he loved. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayer, care and concern from the City of Weslaco, the Weslaco Fire Department, McAllen Fire Department as well as the Fire Departments across the Valley, the Lower Rio Grande Fire Association, American Legion, the community of St. Pius X Catholic Church and the many loving family and friends. Abrigo was and an extraordinary man. We were so blessed to have him our lives and we pray that he is resting in peace in the loving embrace of our Lord and Blessed Mother. Visitation is set for Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 3 pm to 9 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at McCaleb Funeral Home, 900 West 4th Street, Weslaco, Texas. Funeral Mass is set for Thursday, May 3, 2018, 10 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 600 South Oklahoma Avenue, Weslaco, Texas. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial, FM 88 North, Weslaco, Texas. A memorial gathering will take place following the interment at St. Pius X Catholic Church' Conference Hall.