Nicolas Bustamante

Nicolas Bustamante went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on April 25, 1940, in Nixon, Texas to parents Micaela Munoz and Luis Bustamante.

Nick's exceptional athletic skills presented him the opportunity to attend college at Syracuse, where he played football before joining the Air Force. While in the service, he excelled in Track & Field, basketball, and volleyball. He also earned an expert shooting certificate and was awarded Airman of the Month. After leaving the Air Force, Nick had his sights set on a career in the financial industry and passed his Securities and Options exams with flying colors. His career began with Wheat Securities in Richmond, Virginia. Upon his return to Texas, he began working at Merrill Lynch where he remained for 15 years during which he became the top producer in the office. He was recruited by Sanford Weill, then CEO of Shearson Lehman Brothers - American Express. Sandy traveled and met with him personally and went home with a cowboy hat and jalapenos, happy about getting Nick on board. He became known in International Brokerage, working with foreign and domestic clients, and was consistently in the top 1% of power brokers in the country. Nick's team eventually assembled an international investment portfolio with over $1 trillion in assets under management. He and his wife Carolyn ventured on countless exotic trips across the globe as a result of his commendable efforts.

Nick met his wife Carolyn in 1975 at a mutual friend's party, and they remained joined at the hip for the next 49 years. Their marriage is a true testament to enduring love and loyalty. These principles are carried through to the children they raised, to be mindful of keeping family at the forefront. His passions outside of work and his children included hunting, music, gardening, and travel. Some of the family's fondest memories are of vacations spent on beaches, snowmobiling, various theme parks, cruises, and adventures near and far. He was the best Dad and enjoyed spending time with his daughter, encouraging her equestrian hobby, as well as accompanying his son on his myriad outdoor pursuits like scuba diving trips and father/son hunts. He also had quite the green thumb and loved spending time in the sun with his plants, always surrounded by the family's numerous dogs throughout the years. Nick made his home a refuge for rescued pets his kids frequently brought home, sometimes without a choice, but he always took good care of them. He loved a good political debate, and always shared the best advice and life lessons that we will most certainly miss but will share with future generations. Nick was a family man through and through, never forgetting his roots and maintaining countless lifelong relationships and friendships through daily phone calls, e-mails, and the family website. His most recent love was his granddaughter Colette, who lovingly referred to him as “Pepay”. He loved her to the moon and back and could often be found on Facetime calls with her on the off chance that she wasn’t already at his house. He created a loving and welcoming home with an open-door policy for anyone to come visit and loved a good get together.

Nick is preceded in death by his parents, Micaela Munoz and Luis Bustamante, brothers Alex Bustamante, Lucio Bustamante, sisters Julia Soto, Narcisa Bustamante, and Emma Hernandez. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Leal Bustamante, faithful son Nicolas Carlos Bustamante (Elizabeth and Coco), and adoring daughters Paloma Nicole Bustamante and Michelle Jacqueline Bustamante. He is also survived by sisters Dora and Elida and numerous nieces and nephews whom he held dear to his heart. We will miss you more than words will ever be able to convey, but your spirit and presence are in our hearts daily and you will remain our guiding light until we reunite again.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, MAY 16, 20247:00 PMPORTER LORING CHAPEL1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

MASSFRIDAY, MAY 17, 202410:00 AMST. MATTHEWS CATHOLIC CHURCH10703 WURZBACH ROAD

Father Eric Ritter will officiate mass. Deacon Vincent Carrasco will officiate the rosary and graveside. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Following burial, the family invites you to join them for a reception at 1:00 pm at The Witte Museum in the Memorial Auditorium.

Pallbearers will be Ben Leal, Bobby San Martin, Albert Cavazos, Armando Tamez, and Ernesto Bertadillo. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jonas Hernandez, Luis Fernando Aguilar, Garrick Sturgill, Michael Villamil, and Sebastian Villamil.