Genaro Nieto

Genaro Nieto, 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 10, 2015. He was born in Alba, Texas on October 27, 1935, to Manuel Nieto and Carlota Jimenez and was the oldest of four children. In 1938, he came to Houston, Texas with his parents and settled in Second Ward.

At age 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. At the age of 23, on October 18, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Dolores Lopez, whose family had also settled in Second Ward, just down the street.

Genaro was a devoted and wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He was a welder by trade and retired from American Gear in 2000. He was an avid golfer and as a member of the Space City Gulf Club enjoyed playing in tournaments in Houston and San Antonio. He was known as "Gene the Machine" among his golfing buddies. Genaro also enjoyed fishing and would take his family on numerous outings to Galveston and Texas City. He loved nothing better than to be surrounded by his family and friends at gatherings, functions and fiestas. He touched a multitude of lives by giving advice, encouragement and offering assistance to those in need. His house was not only his home, but a place of warmth, love and laughter. His kindness, generosity, energy, humor, and love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Henry; and his wife of 56 years. He is survived by his sister, Irma Moreno; his brother, Albert; his three children: Jo Ann Flores Ramirez and Arturo; Genaro Jr. and Melinda; and Mark; his five grandchildren: Katherine Delgado, Steven and Ambhar; Stephanie; Matthew and Ashley; and Louis; his four great-grandchildren: Shelby, Luke, Alex and Noah; and many nieces and nephews.