Jose Noe Puente Jr.

JOSE NOE (JOE) PUENTE, JR., 67, from Brownsville, Texas, entered into eternal rest June 25, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his family. Joe lost his battle to cancer after 15 years, never allowing it to hold him back from enjoying life. Joe liked spending his free time at the beach, traveling and gambling in Louisiana at the casinos, but mostly, he cherished his family and spending time with them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Noe Puente, Sr., and his sister, Andrea M. Solomon, both of Brownsville, Texas.

Joe enlisted into the National Guard and was stationed in Fort Polk Louisiana. After six years of service, he was honorably discharged. Joe decided then to follow his father’s footsteps and joined the Brownsville Fire Department. He was a firefighter for 26 years, moved up the ranks, later becoming Captain and held the title of Training Officer, training the newly hired firemen coming into the Department. He enjoyed his fellow brother/sisters at the fire department and loved serving his community until he retired in May, 2001.

Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus for thirty years and a member of the American Legion Post 43.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Maria Luisa (Mellie) Puente; daughters Cynthia (Cindy) Puente-Avila, Diana Puente Elliott, Veronica (Robert) Carrasco, Melissa (Johnny) Guevara. Grandchildren Stephanie, Carlos (CJ), Ashlynn, Taylor, Johnathan, Brianna, John and Joe Patrick; mother, Andrea C. Puente; brother, Antonio (Minerva) Puente; sisters, Clara (John) Salinas and Irma (Peter) Gilman; brother-in-law, James Solomon; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00pm at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista.

The Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 555 W. Saint Francis Street, Brownsville, Texas.

Committal Service to follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

The family wishes to extend thanks to Odyssey Hospice Staff and a special thanks to Pete Cerda and Johnny Ruiz for the loving and wonderful care of our loved one at our time in need.