Jose Pilar Guarnero

Our dad, Jose Pilar Guarnero, was born on 27 February 1927 in San Antonio, Texas. He was child #4 of 5. His father was Pilar Guarnero and his mother was Francisca Reyes. His father passed away when he was about two years old. As an added note his mother was six months pregnant with his youngest sister Gloria when their father passed away. He attended Navarro elementary school and then transitioned to Sidney Lanier, who at that time it was also a middle school.

As the war raged in Europe and Pacific he was itching to enlist. His mom finally relented and signed his enlistment papers to allow him to enlist in the Navy. He shipped off to NTC San Diego, CA and upon completion of boot camp he boarded a troop ship at the ripe young age of 17 sailed off to the South Pacific. He arrived in the Philippines and awaited until he boarded the USS Elk, which was a fleet oiler. The ship made its way to Okinawa and was part of the task force that was building up for the proposed invasion of Japan. Fortunately for him the war ended and his ships next move was to enter Sasebo Harbor as part of the American occupational forces.

When this duty ended the ship headed back to the United States. My dad was discharged from the Navy at Camp Wallace, Texas and subsequently returned to his home. For his service he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World 2 Victory Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and The Navy Occupation Service Medal.

Prior to the war and after he returned from the Pacific he once again returned to his previous employer State Jewelry, which was owned and operated by Jesus Orosco.

Sometime after his discharge he was involved in a hit and run accident where he almost lost his life. Luckily for him he was still wearing his dog tags and he was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center and hospitalized for almost 6 months. It was during this time that he completed his high school GED.

My dad continued working for Mr. Orosco for some time. That is where he learned to engrave. After some time he was approached by Mr. Willis Monroe, who owned and operated the Trophy House and my dad left Mr. Orosco and went to work for Mr. Monroe.

Tragically Mr. Monroe was killed in an aircraft accident in October 1974. After that my dad moved on to Baptist Memorial Hospital where he worked as a custodian until his eventual retirement.

In retirement he helped with his three grandchildren. You name it, he was involved with it.

My parents were married on Father’s Day 18 June 1950 were married for 70 years before my mom’s death 23 July 2019.

Jose Pilar Guarnero was preceded by his father Pilar Guarnero and his mum Francisca Reyes. His his sister Pauline Guarnero, his brothers Juan and Ricardo.

He is survived by his sister Gloria Guarnero and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his son Peter Andrew Guarnero RN, PhD, MSC and his other son MSgt Joe D. Guarnero USMC Retired. His daughter in law Christina. His grandchildren Kristine Marie Guarnero, Daniel Andrew Guarnero, and Caitlin Amber Sparks. He also leaves behind two great grandchildren: Ethan Michael Guarnero and Alexander Wallace Sparks.

He will be interred with his beloved wife four years after her death.

A visitation for Jose will be held Monday, July 31, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Jude Catholic Church, 130 S San Augustine Ave, San Antonio, TX 78237. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelRoyAkers.com for the Guarnero family.