Joseph Borenstein, MD

Joseph Borenstein was born in 1936 in Mexico City to Mañe and Felipe, who had emigrated from Poland in the 1920s to build a new life in Mexico. The youngest of three sons—after Enrique and Sidney—Joseph was the beloved baby of the family and, by all accounts, happily spoiled. From his earliest years, he was known simply as Pepe, a name that would follow him with warmth and affection for the rest of his life. Bright, curious, and quick-witted, he excelled in school and dreamed of studying astronomical sciences. His mother, however, had other plans, insisting he follow his brother Sidney into medicine. He did—and discovered his true calling.

During Mexico's six-year medical program, Joe threw himself into his training — volunteering with the Cruz Verde, riding ambulances, teaching anatomy, and logging countless extra hours at the General Hospital. After graduation, he completed his Social Service in a small town outside Mexico City, where he became a beloved physician to his patients. He married Anita Mostkoff, and together they welcomed three children: Edna, Philip, and Shifra.

After Philip’s birth, the family moved to Israel for a year. During this time, he cared for many of Israel’s early leaders and formed a lasting friendship with a Mexican embassy attaché whose newborn daughter he helped save. The family later returned to Mexico, where Shifra was born.

Encouraged by a friend, Joe later made the decision to relocate to the United States, completing a pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston before the family settled in San Antonio, where he joined the practice of Dr. Charles Hilton and Dr. Howard Britton. There, he became a beloved pediatrician — the doctor of choice for much of San Antonio's Jewish community. Known affectionately as Dr. Bo, he went on to practice for over 50 years, caring for three generations of families who trusted him with their most precious.

Joe later married Carol Ackermann, and together they shared 42 wonderful years. With their marriage, he gained two daughters, Sherry and Stacy, whom he embraced as his own. Joe and Carol built a life filled with love, adventure, and deep companionship—including a beloved rescue dog named Jack. An avid traveler, Joe’s adventurous spirit carried them across 48 states, often by cruise ship or in his cherished motorhome.

Joe was a fixer at heart. He loved to tinker, repair, and build everything and anything — why buy new when you could fix the old? It was a philosophy he applied to cars, appliances, and whatever else crossed his path, and those around him learned quickly that nothing was ever truly broken in Joe's hands.

Joe had always dreamed of flight. He built model airplanes long before he ever realized his dream of owning a real one — and when he did, he made it count. Together with his dear friend Carlos Pestana, who shared the same dream, they purchased a small Cessna, took flying lessons, and took to the skies. Joe loved nothing more than taking his children and grandchildren up with him — a tradition they endured with great love and white knuckles.

Those who knew Joe well, knew his signature opening: “Do you want the long story or the short story?” His children and grandchildren would laugh and answer, “Too late!” — because the long version had already begun. It was one of the many small rituals that made him irreplaceable, and that will bring a smile long after he is gone.

Joseph Borenstein is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; and by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the joy of his life. From his first marriage, he is survived by his daughter Shifra, his son Philip, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Edna. From his marriage to Carol, he is survived by his daughters Sherry and Stacy, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Dr. Bo’s life was a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, and an open heart. From the streets of Mexico City to the skies above Texas, he lived fully and gave generously—as a physician, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He will be deeply and dearly missed.

Graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Agudas Achim Memorial Gardens, 1727 Austin Highway. Rabbi Jonathan Hodson will officiate.