Hector J. Cantu son of Mauro and Lucresia Cantu was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 1, 1942, passed away on April 26, 2024, at the age of 82.  He graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1961 on May 3, 1961, he married the love of his life Angelica DeHoyos, they went on to have three beautiful children, Zina Cantu Stark, Hector "Tito" Cantu, and Anissa Cantu.

He was the founder and owner of several successful restaurants starting with the famous downtown 24-hour hotspot Mario's Mexican restaurant and as far as Paris, France with many restaurants, a bakery, and party houses in between.  He was most comfortable in the kitchen and loved speaking through his food.  He never wanted any recognition.  He was a very generous man and would help everyone from the immigrants straight off the train to political icons.  He developed many dishes that are now a norm for restaurants.  Working tirelessly selling cooked whole turkey and dressing way before other restaurants of today to using hot skillets for fajitas which helped create what is now a part of the San Antonio food culture.  His credo was "if we don't make it, we don't sell it".

He was an extremely hard worker.  He was involved in the Chicano revolution with Cesar Chavez claiming Mario's as his San Antonio headquarters while breaking bread with him at home.  He loved the restaurant business and was a mentor to many.  But what was most important was his family.  He was the anchor, listener, advisor, and provider of the family always praying for everyone.  He had such a giving heart, never expecting anything in return.  His grandchildren Angelo, Ian and John Javier brought him so much joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Angelica, daughter Anissa, his brother Mario Cantu, sisters Olivia Rodriguez and Mary J. Garcia and nieces Jessica Garcia and Gina Rodriguez.  He is survived by his daughter Zina, son Tito and three grandsons Angelo and Ian Cantu and John Javier Stark and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Monday, May 6, 2024, at St. Luke Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m.  Inurnment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery #2.

*There will be no procession to the cemetery, all attending will make their way to San Fernando # 2 without the assistance of a police escorts*