Genaro Quinones

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the world has lost a Great Man, Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Friend and Marine. Genaro “Who” Quinones, 70, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2017, following a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a true fighter never letting his illness take over.

Mr. Quinones was born on November 2, 1946, in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico to Juan Cruz Quinones Rivera and Georgina Lopez Gonzales. At the age of 5, his family moved to Chicago, Ill. After graduating from high school, Mr. Quinones joined the United States Marine Corps in 1963. He served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1967. He returned to Chicago and met his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Borrego in 1972. The couple moved to Corpus Christi in 1978. He started working for Mr. K Air Conditioning for several years before becoming employed with the City of Corpus Christi. Following his employment with the city he worked for Corpus Christi Independent School District.

Mr. Quinones was a passionate fan of boxing and a member of USA Boxing, serving as an official for Golden Gloves amateur bouts. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America, the Veterans Round Table, Knights of Columbus, and the Guadalupanos. He was a Eucharistic minister, catechism teacher, and church lector at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mr. Quinones was a dedicated volunteer who devoted many years of service to the Catholic faith.

Mr. Quinones was best known for his handyman business “Owl Do It,” where he got the nickname, “Who.” He was well known for his skills as a mechanic and an HVAC repairman. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, collection of hats and suspenders, love of Puerto Rican culture, and strong faith in God. He had a way with words and was always called upon for his wise counsel and encouragement. One thing for sure was his ability to be there for everyone, even when it wasn’t the best time for him. His biggest accomplishments were his daughters, or as he would say, “his princesses” and most prized possession his beautiful wife Rebecca Quinones.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Luis and Josephine Borrego.

Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Becky Quinones; daughters: Veronica Quinones-Connelly and husband Robert of Jacksonville, Fla.; Victoria Quinones Villarreal and husband Apolinario (Polo) of Corpus Christi; and Vanessa Quinones, also of Corpus Christi; grandchildren: Ryant Connelly and wife Norma, Seleste Quinones, Apolinario (AJ) and Aubrianna Villarreal, all of Corpus Christi; and Trezure Connelly of Jacksonville, Fla.; his siblings: Rafael Quinones of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico; Migdalia (Dolllie) Ramirez and husband Joe of Corpus Christi; and Laura McDonald of Chicago, Ill.; and his loving German shepherd, Pilot. Also left to mourn are many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family, and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 540 Hiawatha St., on Saturday, July 22, at 10 a.m. The family will gather at the church to recite the rosary prior to the Mass. As per Mr. Quinones’ wishes he will be cremated. Memorial services will be announced by the family at a later date.