On October 30, 2019, Jose E. Neri, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.  Born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on March 19, 1929, he immigrated to San Antonio, Texas in 1958.

Jose was preceded in death by his mother Filomena Esquivel, his sister Maria Isabel Neri Esquivel, wife Maria Luisa Neri and is survived by his eight loving children Maria Isabel Williams, Jose M. Neri, Rosalinda Romero, Anita Torres, Olga Salinas, Irma Neri, Jesus Neri, and Alicia Mendoza, 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

As the only living child and helping to provide for his sick mother he began working at the age of eight. A simple, poor and humble man he would help his friends and his family as much as he could.  He served in the Servicio Militar Nacional, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon from 1947 – 1954.

Although he had a limited education it did not impede his creativity, inventions and talents. At the age of eight, he earned money playing music and shining shoes.  As a teenage carpenter, he made furniture. He was as a welder for over 40 years then opened his own business, Texas Radiator Service; working until the age of 82.  After retiring, he setup his workbench in his backyard and with his 80-year-old hands used metal and woods scraps for his inventions.

Known by his friends and community as "Neri" - he was proud of his name and his dual heritage.  He was Mexican then became an American citizen so a "Mexican-American".  He would proudly display "Neri" and his Mexican and American flags on his truck, mailbox, or anywhere he could.

Music was his passion.  He performed with several bands such as Sonora Estrella, Orchestra de Paul Elizondo and then formed Sonora Guapacha and Grupo Chico.  He loved dressing the part; wearing his outfits to match the performance. The bands performed on TV, at Hemisfair Park, and other venues.  Because of his great love for music he never lost the ability and passion to reminisce by singing his favorite songs and playing the timbales, congas, guiro, or maracas.

He loved relaxing outdoors and playing with his dogs. He enjoyed watching TV shows like "Caso Cerrado, and Impacto.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

We will cherish the special moments and memories with our dad, and we will miss him dearly.  We would like to thank family and friends for all the special prayers during this difficult time.