Gustavo Loya, Jr.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gustavo Loya, Sr. of Harlingen, TX; his father-in-law, Ralph G. Pena, Jr. of La Feria, TX; and his beloved dachshund, Van Goeh.

Gus was born on September 6, 1956, in Harlingen, Texas. He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1974, and proudly was part of the Cardinal Band. His love of music since childhood blossomed as he studied music in school. He mastered the alto saxophone and baritone saxophone and later in years, he taught himself the piano, guitar, bass guitar, and had already purchased an accordion, as it was next on his list. He enjoyed jamming with his brother-in-law, Juan, and nephew, Andre, while another brother-in-law, Romel, fueled the ideas of songs to play. His recordings of music are vast; from Chopin, Dvorak, and Rimsky-Korsakov, to the Beatles, Esteban Jordan, The Buena Vista Social Club from Cuba, as well as the Tejano sound. Many times, you would find him listening to his recordings, with his hands in the air, as if he were the Maestro leading the musicians.

He worked at SBC, HEB and finally CITI Group. Throughout his illness and disability, Gus remained a positive influence for all who knew him. His unconditional faith in Jesus Christ carried him through the last difficult months of his life.

Gus is survived by his wife, Estella, who was his partner in every DIY project; his daughter, Rita Loya, and Al Hernandez; and his son, Samuel Loya, all of San Antonio. He is also survived by his mother, Olivia Loya; his brother, Richard (Rosalinda), all of Harlingen; his mother-in-law, Geraldine T. Pena of La Feria, TX; his aunts, Esther Rodriguez of Harlingen, TX and Rose Wilhite of Temple, TX. Since he came from a small family, his close cousins, Lillian Palos, Dalinda Avila, and Greg Rodriguez were an influential part of his life. He will be missed by his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Theresa and Francis Kearney, Ginger and Juan Guerrero, Geraldine and Romel Quintanilla, Margot and Apolonio Zuniga; and his little brother-in-law, Ralph P. Pena and Dana. Gus is also survived by his nieces, nephews and their children on the Loya side, Nick, Lori, Alex, and soon to be born nephew, Selinda, Rick, with Gideon, and Hudson Gus; his godson, Matthew, as well as Patrick, Diana and Kayla, Maureen, Stephen and Heather, Philip, Renee with Charlotte and Darren, Andre Xavier, Rebecca and Peter, Crissy, David and Mina, Sonia and Ken, Romel, Jr., Romel III (Tre), Esequil, Vianey and Catherine on the Pena side.

Gus was a quiet man, with high values and morals. But once he spoke, watch out world. He loved life, music and food, but most of all he loved all his family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 4, 2013, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

MASS

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

10:00 A.M.

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

1602 THOUAND OAKS

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ralph P. Pena, Romel Quintanilla, Sr., Armando Palos, Lorenzo Avila, Arturo Palacios, and Peter Segovia.