Dionisio L. Medina Jr.

If there was a restaurant bill to be picked up, “Denny” as he was known to his English speaking friends and work colleagues, or “Jun” to family, without fail had his hands on it first, and would not relinquish it even with a fight! His desire to pay for celebrations and get togethers no matter how big or small was legendary. Such was his willingness to give.

Dionisio L. Medina, Jr., 89, of Houston, Texas passed away August 3, 2024. He died suddenly, in the afternoon under the hot Texas sun. Despite the intense heat, he persisted on mending a fence felled from the recent storm, until it was too late. We are sure that he was content to be beckoned by God, whilst laboring with his hands and repairing what was broke.

Dionisio Jr. was born in the Philippines on February 14, 1935. The eldest of Dionisio and Leonida Medina, he was always destined to be the patriarch of the Medina family, both here in the States and in the Philippines.

Dionisio Jr. studied electrical engineering in Manila, where he earned his degree. Over the years he fulfilled many roles: rising to vice-president of Wright Electric in Chicago, Illinois, small business owner, and caregiver.

Dionisio Jr. met his soulmate, Regina, in the Philippines in 1961. Regina, a registered nurse, cared for Dionisio while he was hospitalized for a minor procedure. Later, recovered, he returned to pursue her and they courted for 5 years. Regina played hard to get, traveling to the United States to travel and teach nursing. A long distance romanced ensued, with many love letters crossing land and sea air-mailed with sweet nothings. Eventually Regina returned to the Philippines and the couple were married on January 29, 1966. Three years later, they moved their young family to Chicago where they resided until 1981. Soon after they relocated to Houston, Texas where they remained together until Regina’s passing in June 2019.

Dionisio Jr. was very kind, loving, and giving. He worked hard to provide for his family and to sponsor as many relatives in the Philippines to come to the US in order to live a better life. Self assured and headstrong; he was a rock undeterred in his beliefs and always determined to do what he felt was best for his family.

He was a jack-of-all trades. He could build a house from the ground up, repair a broken car engine, install wall paper perfectly aligned, and cook a delicious meal! In his youth he learned to fly a plane, and he liked to drive fast.

He was a dreamer and a bit of a romantic. He dabbled in poetry. He enjoyed Regina’s hobbies; taking her fishing in Galveston and Lake Houston, and to trips to Louisiana to play the slots. He took pride in the home and life they built.

Dionisio Jr. is survived by his children: Rodina Lavergne, Carmela Medina, and Oscar Medina, son-in-law Teddy Lavergne, as well as his grand children Melanie Macapugay and Marissa Luna Manning, and great grandchildren, Ava, Zoe, and Milla Dominguez. He is also survived by his sister Estrelita L. Medina.

A visitation for Dionisio will be held Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. Services will start promptly at 2:30 PM.