Jose Crescencio Arriaga

Born on April 19, 1932, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Jose Arriaga and Bruna Carrizales, Jose built a life defined by perseverance and love. In 1952, he married Maria De Jesus Salazar, his devoted wife of 65 years, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with faith, loyalty, and shared dreams. The two first met while working together at La Superior Panadería in San Luis Potosí.

Jose earned a degree as a private accountant in Mexico before following his entrepreneurial spirit to open a bakery out of his home in San Luis Potosí. In 1967, he immigrated to the United States with the hope of providing a better life for his family. He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1977 and later opened Continental Bakery on Telephone Road in Houston, Texas. Over the years, he shared his baking talents with Foley’s, Kroger, Weingarten’s, and the University of Houston Central Campus. Ever committed to learning, he earned his GED while building his life in the U.S.

Baseball was a lifelong passion. In his youth, Jose played in a local league in San Luis Potosí, earning a trophy for Best Pitcher. After moving to Houston, he continued playing in the men’s league at Mason Park. A devoted Houston Astros fan, he regularly attended games at both the Astrodome and Minute Maid Park, following the team through every season.

Jose found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spontaneous family road trips and could often be found in his backyard raking leaves, practicing his pitching and hitting, or “piddling” with his tools and treasures regardless of Houston’s heat or humidity. He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling, especially through the southern states of Mexico. One of his most cherished memories was celebrating his and Maria’s 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Spain and Morocco and was proud to show off his picture of him riding a camel.

A man of curiosity and quiet discipline, Jose enjoyed reading history books, novels, and magazines such as National Geographic and Reader’s Digest. He was a regular visitor at the Houston Public Library and stayed active through the Silver Sneakers program at the downtown YMCA. Jose cherished traditions such as attending the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade and took great pride in cheering on his grandson Nicolas at baseball, soccer, and rugby games and tournaments.

Jose also had a sweet tooth and a baker’s discerning eye. Whether baking his own breads, cakes, and pastries or sampling the work of others, he would pause to admire their details before savoring each bite.

He had a deep affinity for music and classic cinema, cherishing his collection of albums spanning the 1920s through the 1960s. His home was often filled with the melodies of the Glenn Miller Band, Los Panchos, Eydie Gormé, Javier Solís, and Pedro Infante, and he found joy in the timeless stories of classic films.

He will be remembered for his humble spirit, quiet wisdom, and steady determination. He lived his life with purpose, perseverance, and gratitude for the simple joys of family, learning, sports, travel, and good meals. Loved deeply by many, his presence will be missed, but his imprint and memories that were created will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jose is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Maria De Jesus Arriaga; daughter, Maria Guadalupe (Lupita) Arriaga; parents, Jose Arriaga and Bruna Carrizales; brother, Alberto Arriaga; and son-in-law, Bruno Flores.

He is survived by his daughters, Blanca Arriaga-Gomez (Julian Gomez) and Pilar Lopez (Amador Lopez Jr.), and his sister, Maria Paz Arriaga.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Teresa Flores – children: Lucy Valenzuela, Emiliano Valenzuela, Mathias Valenzuela, Benjamin Valenzuela; Cathy Gamez (Dante Gamez) – children: Ellie Gamez, Dante Gamez; Andrea Rodriguez (David Rodriguez) – children: Audrey Rodriguez, Brandon Rodriguez; and Nicolas A. Lopez.

He is also survived by his goddaughter Maria Martha Herrera and her family—Martha Jazmin Herrera (children: Jonathan Daniel Castro, Enrique Emmanuel Castro, and Camila Jazmin Castro), Jessica Herrera (children: Luna Isabella Rosas and Emiliano Gael Rosas), Julissa Jimena Herrera (child: Mateo Aureliano Izazaga), Israel Herrera (child: Demi Valentine Herrera)—as well as many loving godchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to relatives and friends for their love, prayers, and support throughout Jose’s final days, and for honoring him with their presence during this time.

A visitation for Jose will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, located at 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, in the Chapel of Angels. A funeral service will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002. Following the service, a committal will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. A reception will follow from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Magnolia Suite at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.