Ireneo "Neo" Gutierrez Jr., Ph.D.

GUTIERREZ, Ireneo “Neo” Gutierrez, Jr., Ph.D., 83, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Neo was born in Zapata, Texas, on April 21, 1936. He graduated from Martin High School in Laredo at the age of 16. Neo was selected as one of eight Mexican-American students throughout the State of Texas to receive an award of a full scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin from the John Hay Whitney Foundation in New York City and the Laredo Rotary Club. Neo graduated from the UT Austin with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 1955 at the age of 19. He received a master of arts degree in dance from the Teachers College of Columbia University in New York City in 1958, at the age of 21. Neo later received his doctor of philosophy degree in dance and related fine arts from Texas Women’s University in 1987. Neo was the first man in the State of Texas to receive a doctorate degree in dance.

From 1956-1960, Neo was stationed at the 28th Artillery Post with the U.S. Army in Baumholder, Germany, and served as the editor of the Post newspaper, the Army band drum major, and the director of the dance school for children.

Neo’s career as a public school teacher spanned over 45 years. He began his teaching career at Christen Junior High in 1955 at the age of 19. Starting in 1964, he served as a foreign language teacher for 31 years at Beverly Hills High School and organized many school cultural events, including the Global Village Diversity Project, which received national recognition from the National Education Association. In 1997, the City of Beverly Hills honored him for outstanding leadership and community service in international relations. In 1984, Texas Governor Mark White commissioned Neo as the Ambassador of Goodwill for his relationship with the State of California. While still teaching in Beverly Hills, Neo organized annual dance workshops for children in Laredo for many years. Neo also taught for three years at Churchill High School in San Antonio prior to his retirement in 2000.

In retirement, Neo spent time as a free-lance writer and a producer for Laredo Public Access TV. In 2002, Neo was inducted as a Martin High School Tiger Legend for his achievements and community work. In 2008, the League of United Latin American Citizens honored Neo as Señor Internacional at their Noche Mexicana in connection with the annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration in Laredo, a signature event of the city.

Neo’s fervent love of dance and visual imagery never waned even in his final days. He will be remembered for his passion for dance, politeness, sense of humor, and desire to make the world a better place through education. Neo will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Neo was predeceased by his parents, Ireneo Gutierrez and Emma Ramirez Gutierrez, descendants of Bernando Gutierrez de Lara. Ireneo is survived by his sister, Graciela G. Gonzales, and sister-in-law, Sammy Beal Gutierrez. He leaves behind his nieces, Lynne Gutierrez and Vickie Gonzales Leady, and his nephews, Richard R. Gonzales, Jr., James D. Gonzales, M.D., and John D. Gutierrez, as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews.

A memorial service will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749, on Saturday, August 31, 2019, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with a reception to follow until 5:00 pm.