Rafael C. Reyna, Jr.

Rafael "Ralph" C. Reyna, Jr. 77, of San Antonio and Mission, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Soila McNiel; and brother, Gilbert Reyna.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Stella of 49 years; daughters, Melissa Reyna, Michele Fuentes, Veronica Reyna (Tanmoy Kumar); sister, Delia Rodriguez; brother, Stephen Reyna; and five grandchildren: Sammy, Gabe, and Mia Fuentes; Raj and Eva Sinha; plus extended family and friends.

Ralph was a dedicated husband, loving father, and grandfather. He was a special man who touched many lives with his giving heart and generous spirit. As a husband, he was a friend and soul mate who showed daily his love through unwavering respect and gratitude. As a father, Ralph was a devoted provider and supportive parent. He was active in his girls' lives, taught them to be independent and strong, and was a good role model of what a present father should be.

Ralph drove his daughters to the crack-of-dawn swim practices. He was there at band practice and competitions. He coached softball. He was the dad who yelled at the refs. He suffered through the squeaks of beginning oboe. He supported all three daughters through college and graduate school. He helped mend broken arms, broken hearts, and celebrate all his daughters' accomplishments. As a grandfather, Ralph devoted his love and adoration to his grandchildren, and took great joy in helping to raise them. He was silly, told bad jokes, never minced words, and was an all-around good friend. Known as "Ralph" or "Jay" by his friends and family, Ralph epitomized that education, hard work, integrity, and perseverance will bring their own rewards.

He graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School and completed the apprenticeship program for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #142. As A loyal and active union brother, Ralph became the Local's first Mexican-American president. He championed accuracy, honesty, and training, and assisted with maintaining high standards in the apprenticeship program for many years. He often spoke in appreciation of the union, the opportunities it afforded him and his family, and the friends he made.

As a man of faith, Ralph was an active parishioner at St. Luke's Catholic Church in San Antonio for many years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 10240. When he moved to Mission, Texas, he attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where he was active in assisting Fr. Roy Snipes when he could. He enjoyed Fr. Roy's masses. Ralph will be greatly missed.

ROSARY

FRIDAY

JANUARY 17, 2014

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

PROCESSION

SATURDAY

JANAURY 18, 2014

9:30 A.M.

FROM PORTER LORING

MASS

10:00 A.M.

ST. LUKES CATHOLIC CHURCH

4603 MANITOU

Ralph will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, as well as to Ralph's caregivers in Mission.