Tony H. Patino

Tony Herrera Patiño, Jr. passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023. A native of San Antonio, and a descendant of the only two native born Texan Signers: 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence. His character was molded by his parents and reflected the core values of the Greatest Generation in service and loyalty.

Tony proudly served in the San Antonio Fire Department for 36 years retiring in 1990 as a Captain. He was instrumental in working with state legislators, passing laws for improvements to the Department. Among these were laws addressing city funding; lifting their retirement income from a “parking meter” financed payout to a line item within the city budget; adopting a Civil Service type personnel system rather than local political control. In these efforts he witnessed the benefit of a strong Union and was a lifelong advocate holding offices from Treasurer to President of Union Local 624 committed to improving the welfare of the FirefighterIn retirement Tony and his beloved wife Genie moved to Kenedy, TX near their “Tu Y Yo” ranch fulfilling his dream to become a rancher. There was never a lack of both mental and physical challenging “to do’s”. There he enjoyed hunting, family gatherings and caring for “his girls” who produced many bovine offspring.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Garza Patiño; parents, Tony H. Patiño, Sr and Caroline Fierros Patiño. He is survived by his sisters Josephine M. Russomano and Carolyn A. Patiño, children Anthony O. Patiño (Dolores), Michael D. Patiño (Amalia) and Carolanne F. Pearson (Albert -deceased); as well as 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 9:30, Rosary at 10:00 followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 on Tuesday, 20 June, at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 700 Dewhurst Rd. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Cemetery, 7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd., San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to San Antonio Fire Museum, 801 E. Houston St., SATX, 78205.