Deacon Alfonso "Poncho" Cervantes died on Saturday August 28th, 2021.  He was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 3rd, to Frank and Delfina Cervantes.

He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Monica Ann, his parents Frank and Delfina Cervantes and his brother, Frank Cervantes Jr.

Survivors include his wife of fifty two years, Ophelia Cervantes. Three brothers, David, Rolando and John Cervantes and one sister, Rosalie Tober, and his mother in law Alicia U. Solis.  Five brothers in law and six sisters in law, numerous nieces, nephews and god children.  He was immensely proud of his family and heritage.  He often spoke of the neighborhood he grew up in and the friendships he made throughout the years.  All of these experiences would contribute to the man he would become.

He was a 1958 graduate of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, a 1962 graduate of La Salle Catholic High School in San Antonio, and received his Bachelor's degree in history from St. Mary's University in 1966, followed by a Master's degree in history in 1971.  In addition, he attended Texas Tech University for further graduate studies in history.

Alfonso began his teaching career with The San Antonio Independent School District as a history teacher at both Irving Middle School from 1966-1969, and at Burbank High School from 1969-1971.

He then moved on to the college level, serving as an Instructor of history at Texas A&I University in Kingsville from 1971-1973.  Alfonso then began an extended tenure with the Alamo Community College District, serving as an Assistant Director of the Evening Division, Dean of Extended Services, and Dean of Arts and Sciences at St. Philip's College from 1974-1985; Dean of Instruction and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Palo Alto College from 1985-1991, and then as an Associate Professor of History at San Antonio College where he retired.   As with all exceptional teachers he took great pride in all his students and encouraged them to reach their maximum potential. Often times they and their families would return to visit and  let him know the impact he had upon them and their accomplishments as architects, teachers, homemakers , accountants, to name a few.

At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church he served as a Director of Religious Studies, Lector and Minister of Communion. In 2007, he was ordained as a Deacon and proudly served the parish for fourteen years.   He was a loyal and faithful servant of the Lord and believed in the goodness of each and every person he encountered. Throughout his illness he never stopped addressing both the spiritual and ministerial needs of anyone who called upon him.  He was also privileged to serve alongside the order of Claretians.

Alfonso loved spending time with his daughter Monica and his wife Ophelia traveling extensively in Mexico, United States and Europe. Family and friends were always welcomed into their home for celebrations such as; birthdays, baptisms, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Fourth of July and a favorite Fiesta Week.  All would gather on the front lawn to watch the parade which passed in front of their home, with the barbecue already started in the backyard.  Spending time with his neighbor Henry on his porch where they would talk about events of the day and family.   He will always be remembered by family and friends.

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you"

John15v16

The family would like to thank friends, neighbors, and parishioners for their love prayers and kindness offered throughout Alfonso's illness. Also to the Texas Liver Institute, University Hospital and above all the Staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Baptist Hospital downtown.

FUNERAL SERVICES

A rotating visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 8th, from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. at The Angelus Funeral Home with Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.   Interment will be held privately for the immediate family.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Charities Refugee Program, or St. Vincent de Paul Society of your choice.

For those unable to attend funeral services, please sign the online guest book