Flavio Valdez

Yes, he leaves behind his wife, Deborah, with whom he was totally in love; his son, Patrick, to whom he was devoted and who was in many ways his hero; his daughter-in-law, Debbie, whom he dearly loved; and his granddaughter, Samantha, who, though very young, made him marvel in her accomplishments and in her loving attitude. But it will be his life's work in public education that will stand as a living memorial to him.

As a teacher, principal, and human resources director, Flavio was able to touch the lives of countless individuals, some of whom he knew well and others he helped with life decisions. It was difficult for Flavio when he made the decision to leave the classroom to become an assistant principal at Robert E. Lee High School in NEISD. It was equally difficult when he decided to leave Lee to become principal of Center High School in NEISD, but each move was made with his potential contribution to students' needs in mind. With each move, his influence over the lives of students and teachers grew exponentially.

It was, therefore, with pride as an educator that he assumed the position of Human Resources Director for NEISD. He knew that by traveling throughout the country in search of the brightest teachers, he would directly impact the lives of students in NEISD and in San Antonio.

Growing up in the barrios of San Felipe Del Rio, Texas, he described his childhood as a happy time of friends and family. He would often recall swimming in the San Felipe Creek, and he made sure that his son experienced the same joy, taking him fishing and swimming in that same creek. But even though he remembered the happy times, he also recalled summers working in the fields of California doing migrant farm work. It was because of his life experiences, that he took his charge of finding quality teachers for NEISD very seriously and was diligent in seeking teachers who would be good role models for all of the students of NEISD. It did not matter where he was in the country; he would often be stopped by former students, teachers, and parents with words of thanks. He often received emails and calls from grateful parents and students whom he had mentored with no fanfare.

Upon Flavio's recent retirement, he continued to follow his path of nurturing young people working to become teachers through his position as a University Partner with Texas A&M University, San Antonio. He was very excited being involved with the students, many of whom mirrored his early life as a young adult.

Before becoming an educator, Flavio served proudly in the United States Navy and was deployed twice to Vietnam aboard the helicopter carrier, USS Okinawa. While serving, Flavio was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 Stars), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Navy Unit Commendation (1 Star), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, (Gallantry Cross), Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. As was his way, he made some life long friendships while aboard ship: Craig, Greg, David, Bob, and Ronny.

Flavio was an avid rode cyclist and had ridden with his son and daughter-in-law in several charity rides, including The Lance Armstrong Ride For The Roses in Austin, Texas, and The Hotter Than Hell 100 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Together, they raised several thousand dollars for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and rode in honor of Flavio's mother in- law, and other friends and family. Flavio always placed his family and friends first, living his strong belief that he should be the best husband, father, grandfather ("Tito", since Samantha couldn't say "Abuelito"), brother, uncle, and friend.

Flavio, whose generosity and caring will long be remembered, leaves behind his beloved wife and lifelong friend, Deborah; his son, Dr. Patrick Jay Valdez; Patrick's wife, Deborah Valdez; his granddaughter, Samantha; his sister, Betty Musquiz and husband Eloy; his brother Efrain Valdez and wife Bibi; his sister-in-law Sheila Barich Warren and husband Jerry; his nephew Ricardo Musquiz and wife Wendy; Lt. Col. (USMC) Jeffrey Garza and wife Sarah; his nieces Claudine Garcia and husband Rene, and Nannette Yzaguirre and husband Rick; and many cousins, great nephews and great nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603 or the Texas A&M University San Antonio Foundation, Texas A&M University, Kingsville System Center San Antonio, Attn: Jan Mundine, 1450 Gillette Blvd., Room 201, San Antonio, TX 78224.