Jose Antonio Renteria

A proud son of the Borderland, Joe grew up in El Paso’s Five Points area before his family moved to Chaparral, New Mexico. He attended Houston Elementary and graduated from Austin High School, a proud Panther to the very end. Joe went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management, an accomplishment he achieved while navigating fatherhood and work simultaneously. Those who knew him best would tell you Joe carried his roots with him everywhere: the love of family, the value of hard work, and pride in where he came from.

Joe built a life defined by service, leadership, and faith. He began working at the Good Times Store, later worked at AT&T, and went on to serve in federal law enforcement. He first served at the Bridge with Customs and Border Protection, then with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), where he eventually rose to serve as Officer in Charge. Joe was more than a supervisor; he was a leader and a mentor. He taught countless colleagues the work itself, but even more, he modeled what it means to lead with a vision, fairness, and integrity, helping others grow into confident leaders of their own. In recognition of his leadership and dedication as Officer in Charge, Joe received the National Director’s Award.

Joe was a man of sharp intellect and a mischievous sense of humor. He could make an entire room burst out in laughter, often becoming the moment that everyone remembered. He was wise, patient, adaptable, innovative, and just, yet he was also affectionate and tender. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, boxing, golf, grilling, and politics. He could quote Forrest Gump, Rocky, or Coming to America at any time, and he never said no to enchiladas and salsa. More than anything, music was at the core of his spirit, and he didn’t just listen to it; he put on a one-man show, playing guitar and harmonica while playing the percussion with his feet.

But Joe’s essence ran deeper than hobbies or accomplishments. He was a fighter in the truest sense. He faced adversity with determination and a refusal to give up. No matter what life put in front of him, he found a way to push through it with courage, often without drawing attention to how hard it was. That strength became part of the foundation his family and friends leaned on, and it is one of the clearest ways he will be remembered: as a strong man who kept going.

One of Joe’s most meaningful traditions was simple and unforgettable: for years, he would call people on their birthdays to sing Las Mañanitas. He also made a point of singing to all the moms on Mother’s Day to always make them feel special. Joe had a gift for making people feel seen. His kindness often showed up quietly, without recognition, like paying for an officer’s meal at a restaurant and never saying a word about it.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband and father. He was the type of man who made his family feel loved, safe, cherished, and proud to belong to him. His faith was an anchor in his life, and it remains a comfort to those who love him now, trusting that he is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Renteria; his children, Belen Isela Renteria and Santiago Elias Renteria; his parents, Margarita Renteria and Alberto Renteria; his siblings, Alberto Renteria, Oscar Renteria, Martha Renteria, and Ricardo Renteria; and his beloved pets, Cheech, Chong, Rocket, and Tigger.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama st. El Paso, Texas 79930.

Jose Antonio Renteria will be remembered for his humor, leadership, work ethic, fierce resilience, profound love for his family, and the way he made people feel important.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7