Renato Leonardo Ronquillo

Renato Leonardo Ronquillo, 75, of Baytown, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 17, 2026, just one day before his 76th birthday. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the family he loved, after complications from Stage 4 prostate cancer.

Renato was born on August 18, 1950, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, to Francisco De Jesus Ronquillo, a talented goldsmith, and Virginia Salonga Leonardo, a talented seamstress and elementary school teacher. He grew up in a large and loving family with seven brothers and two sisters. From his parents, Renato learned the values that would guide his entire life: hard work, excellence, generosity, and doing your very best.

He attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and began his career in the jewelry business at La Estrella Del Norte Jewelry Store, where he worked from 1969 to 1971. When his father traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to work for Bush Jewelers, the family soon followed him to America. Renato joined Bush Jewelers in 1971 before making his way to Midland, Texas, where he worked with Ernie Hughes of Hughes Jewelers.

In 1973, Renato married the love of his life, JoAnn. Together they built a beautiful family, raising JoAnn's two sons, Timothy Jo Toguchi and Derrick Toguchi, and welcoming five more children: Renato, Jr. (Rene), Ronnie Francis, Jeffrey Frank, Joseph Keith (Joey), and Jeremy.

Renato opened his first jewelry store in Midland in 1976. In 1984, he and his family moved to Baytown, where he eventually established his jewelry store in the food court at San Jacinto Mall. He remained there until 2007, when he moved his business to the tunnels of Houston.

Renato wasn't simply a jeweler—he was an artist and a master of his craft. His dedication to quality and creativity earned him several prestigious design awards from the Jewelers of America, including Best of Show in jewelry design for the state of Texas. Several of his creations were featured in a New York gallery. He earned the distinguished title of Master Jeweler from the Jewelers of America and later opened the Houston School of Jewelry, where he shared his knowledge and craftsmanship with students from both the local community and around the world.

But those who knew Renato best will remember that his greatest treasures were never made of gold or silver.

Renato was friendly, funny, and genuinely loved people. He had a gift for making others feel welcome, encouraged, and valued. He believed in working hard, producing quality work, and never settling for anything less than your best. He loved golf, chess, and keeping a watchful eye on the stock market—perhaps proving that he enjoyed both a good game and a good investment.

Yet his greatest passion was the Word of God. Renato loved memorizing and reciting Scripture, and he delighted in sharing God's promises with anyone who needed hope or encouragement. He didn't simply read the Bible; he carried it in his heart and was always ready to remind someone that God was faithful.

For 25 years, Renato attended Harvest Temple Church. In 2009, he and JoAnn joined Christian Tabernacle Church in Houston, where they continued to grow in their faith and serve others. Renato had a heart for Christian ministry, supporting new Christian works in the Philippines and helping several family members pursue their education there. He believed that one of the greatest blessings in life was being able to bless someone else.

Renato is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, JoAnn; his children, Tim and Pam, Derrick, Rene, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Joey, Ashton, and Jeremy; and his cherished grandchildren, Cameron and Emily. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their families, including Cesar and Eileen, Rudy and Beth, Cenon and Virginia, Romeo, Carolina, Racquel and Anthony, along with thirteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco De Jesus Ronquillo in 1997 and Virginia Salonga Leonardo in 2006; and his brothers Raul and Ruben; and his sister-in-law Nita.

Renato leaves behind more than a family, a business, and a lifetime of beautiful jewelry. He leaves behind people whose lives are brighter because he took the time to encourage them, teach them, laugh with them, pray for them, and bless them.

And knowing Renato, he probably would not want us to be too sad for too long. After all, he spent a lifetime pointing people toward the hope he found in Christ. We can imagine him now in heaven, reunited with loved ones, walking streets of gold—and perhaps inspecting the workmanship very carefully.

His earthly work is finished. His faith has become sight. The Master Jeweler has now met the Master Craftsman.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Renato will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured by his family, friends, students, customers, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held at The Sanctuary of Mont Belvieu, 10530 Eagle Dr, Mont Belvieu, TX 77523, US, on August 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral at the same location on August 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.