Joe A. Gawry

Joe A. Gawry was born on July 29, 1928 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas to parents, Eliza Elizondo and Joseph Gawry. On May 17, 2023, Joe was called home by the Lord. He passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 94 years.

On September 17, 1946, when Joe was a Junior at San Antonio Technical High School, he enlisted into the U.S. ARMY. He served in Korea with the 76th Signal Corps. Joe was Honorable discharged on July 25, 1949. Being in the Army afforded him the college education he so desired. He gained his Associates Degree after two years at SAC before transferring to College Station’s Texas A&M College in 1951. While at A&M Joe was a part of the Corps of Cadets Squadron 4, The Flying Four Aces. Joe graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in 1954. He later went on to get a Master’s Degree in Education at Texas State University. But his heart and allegiance will always be an A&M Aggie.

Joe married the love of his life, Betty Gawry (Gibson), on April 24, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas. They went on to have three daughters; Sheree, Debbie, and Jeanie and continued to love and raise them in San Antonio. As a family they loved to travel all over the U.S. during the winter time.

Joe had a very distinguished career in the education system. He became a wood shop teacher after graduating A&M at Rhodes High School. In only a few short years, he became the Dean. Not long after, he decided to take the Dean position at Burbank High School. Joe retired as a Dean/Vice Principal in 1990 from Brackenridge High School after 36 years with the San Antonio Independent School District.

Joe was a man who had a very strong Catholic faith throughout his life. He was extremely involved not only in church, but in many Catholic organizations as well. Joe was a Eucharistic Minister for 20 plus years at both Blessed Sacrament and Holy Spirit Churches. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, including being the Grand Knight for Council 786. He was a part of their 4th Degree Knights Drill Team as well. He was a past member of the Alhambra’s with Holy Spirt Church. Joe’s biggest accomplishment in his faith was being invited into and becoming a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Joe Gawry is preceded in death by his parents mother, Eliza Kinser (Elizondo) and father, Joseph Gawry; brother, Guillermo Gawry; sisters, Eva Gawry, Helen Gawry, and Elsie Haumersen.

Joe is survived by his wife, Betty Gawry; daughters Sheree Chilton (Jimmy), Debbie Behrens (Dave), Jeanie McKinnon (Terry); grandchildren Rhianna Gardner (Jason), Nicole Chilton, Christina Nguyen (Than), and Stephen Behrens (Sarah); and great-grandchildren Kayla Rodgers, Hunter Rodgers, Mia Vince, Lexi Vince, Amelia Behrens, Addison Behrens, and Aiden Behrens; and his loving pets, Huey, and Renatta.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, JUNE 1, 20236:30 PMPORTER LORING NORTH

MASSFRIDAY, JUNE 2, 202310:00 AMHOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH8134 BLANCO RD.

Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Mausoleum at the Holy Cross Cemetery