Joe Tony Jew

Tony was born on October 31, 1938 to Charlie Shee Jew, Sr. and Rosie Villarreal Jew in Austin, Texas. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas where he lived until the time of his death.

He is survived by his sisters Genevieve Jew Guerrero and Mabel Jew de Lopez, brother Charlie S. Jew, Jr.; his three daughters and son, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Tony was predeceased by his faithful and loyal wife of 40 years Diamantina Jew, his fun-loving sister Lucy Davis, and son Joe Tony Jew, Jr. In 2003, Tony married Reyna Castaneda Jew. In February 2022, she filed for divorce and the divorce proceedings were still pending at the time of his death.

He was a patriarch and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his adult children, grandchildren and great grand-child. There was never a time Tony did not help his entire family unit and friends by always providing financial assistance and physical care to those in need. Everyone who knew him well took note of his kindness and generosity to a fault. He would rather do without than deprive others from physical and financial needs. He would give others his shirt off his back without ever expecting anything in return. He was a no-nonsense type of guy, and at times, displayed a self-defeating dry sense of humor.

Tony was a faithful servant in the Kingdom ministry for Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the mid-70s, Tony landed an Elder position with the congregation and pioneered religiously house-to-house for many years. Not even his illness took him away from preaching the new Kingdom of God to others. He gladly performed his responsibilities as an Elder and made generous contributions to those in need within and outside the congregation until his illness no longer permitted him to do so.

His infectious smile grew larger during the days when close family and friends visited him at the hospital after becoming severely ill. He was always glad and appreciative to see those who cared so deeply for him. He would forget about his illness for a moment smiling big. There was never a time that his spirits were not lifted.

He was formerly employed as a bookkeeper and later Custodial Manager at VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority. After 22 years of service, Tony retired from VIA in 1995 and joined his former deceased spouse with her Custom Enterprise business.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to those family members and Arden Court nurses and staff members Gina, Amy, Claudia, Rita, and Maria who were there on the morning of his passing, and especially, Dr. K.Cowan for always making time to medically evaluate Tony when needed. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Timberhill CNA Hurahn Saed; Concha Heart Hospice nurses and staff members Janette, Tricia, Alexandra, Maria Teresa, Jennifer; and Sacred Hearts Hospice nurses and staff members Deborah, Devin Eddi, Stephanie, and Raquel for doing everything they could to help Tony during his arduous medical battle(s). If some names have been inadvertently omitted, please forgive the contributor to this obituary.

The Viewing will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City, Texas with a funeral Prayer Service following at 5 p.m. Mr. Jew will be cremated and there will be no gravesite interment service.

Arrangement entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk, Universal City, Texas 78148.