Tony Joe Rocamontes, Jr.

TONY JOE ROCAMONTES, known in his personal and professional career as “Rock” or “Rocky”, Native Houstonian, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2012 in a local hospital. He was 84 years old, and just shy of his 85th birthday.

Tony was born on October 27, 1927, and was born the eldest of five children to Antonio Rocamontes Sr, and Esther Estrada Rocamontes.

He graduated from Sam Houston High School, and lettered in golf and football. He was offered an opportunity to play golf on a scholarship for the University of Houston, with the legendary Dave Williams, but opted to go into the military and serve his country. Tony was an avid golfer, and traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and many other countries to play in various golf tournaments, where he accumulated many awards and trophies that filled his home, as well as making friendships throughout the golf world.

Tony married the love of his life, Alice R. Rocamontes on April 19, 1953, and devoted his life to keeping her happy and safe for their 59 years of married life. Even when Alice became ill with Alzheimer’s, he was her devoted and never wavering caretaker, until his hospitalization. His priority was to keep his “Alice” happy, and he never forgot his promise, as he seldom left her side during this very difficult journey.

Tony served in the US Navy, on served on the US Hollandia, CVE-97, 19th Fleet, where he participated in the American Area campaign: Asiatic –Pacific Area World War II Victory in Southeast Asia. Tony then returned to Houston after his military duty, where he accomplished many achievements. He went to work for the Houston Police Department , where he became Houston’s first Hispanic Warrant Officer, and later after being recommended by many prominent citizens of Harris County, which included Judge Guyon, Abel Chapa, Roberto Ornelas – Lulac National President, Jack Heard – Former Sheriff of Harris County, Senator John Tower, Joe Resweber – County Attorney, Senator Ralph Yarborough, and many more to list, he was selected to serve in the US Marshals Service. He received many letters of commendations written by Federal Judge William Sessions, Sam Nucia – Former Houston Police Chief, Carl Walker – US Attorney, Federal Chief Judge L.T. Senter, and Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers – Company A. Additionally he received many awards including Immigration and Naturalization Service Award, US Attorney General Award, US Marshal Service Honorary Service Award, and selected as one of three top Hispanic US Marshals in the country by the Director of the US Marshal Service. Tony served in several capacities during his tenure with the US Marshal Service which included Court Security Officer for the Southern District of Texas, Warrant Squad Coordinator, Firearms Instructor and Range Officer, Threat Coordinator for the FBI, Criminal Intelligence Officer for the Southern District of Texas, and served as a Liaison for other law enforcement agencies including Secret Service, US Customs, FBI, Bureau of Tobacco Alcohol Firearms and Explosives. Tony retired from the US Marshal Service in 1991, but never forgot his lifelong law enforcement brothers and friends that he remained in touch with him throughout his retirement years.

Tony was a Charter member of the Pan American Golfers Association, Texas Police Association, Disabled American Veterans, St Patrick Catholic Church Young at Heart Club, Fraternal Order of Border Agents, Life Member of the Retired US Marshals Association, and American Legion Auxiliary.

Tony is survived by his Wife, Alice; and two daughters – Annette Marie Collins, and Husband – Curt Collins and Linda Ann Rocamontes, and Fiancée – Chris Casey; and his beloved three grandchildren – Preston Collins, Bryan Collins, and Alexa Marie Collins. Other relatives include his brother, Ray Rocamontes and Wife – Rosie; Sister – Connie Gutierrez; sisters in Law – Julia Knoll and Dolores Deleon; and many nieces and nephews in Texas, California, and Louisiana. The family extends a profound thank you to Fern Hussey and Rose Trevino for their care and support during this difficult period caring for Alice and Tony.

Tony will be buried with military honors at Houston National Cemetery on Friday, November 2nd at 1:00 pm. The family will receive visitors for a Memorial Service on Thursday evening, November 1st from 7pm – 9pm at Brookside Funeral Home, 3410 FM 1960 West, Houston, Texas 77068, (281)397-0800.

Serving as Pallbearers include, Russell Rocamontes, Preston Collins, Bryan Collins, Curt Collins, Chris Casey, and Judge Jay Karnahan. Honorary Pallbearers include: Rudy Love, Judge David Hittner, Don DeGabrielle, Slater Martin, Elmore Watson, Cyclone Anaya, The Texas Rangers – Company A, and the multitude of many close friends that Tony had.

No one can plan for a disease that takes away life long memories and dreams, but for Tony, he proved to everyone that he was someone that never gave up, and never walked away from a challenge. His life was one of serving his country, performing his civic duty, enforcing the law, and the challenge of caring for a woman, whom cannot remember his love. He never walked away from his responsibility, but instead took it in stride and performed the job to the best of his ability, just like he did all his life. We salute you, we will never forget you, and now it is time for you to rest. Your job is done. Thank you for giving us an example of commitment, courage, and heroism. We love you.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030-2008, (713) 314-1313.