Emmanuel Jemine Abiro

Emmanuel Jemine Abiro passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 in McAllen, Texas. He was born July 2, 1956, to Mr. & Mrs. Ekidi Abiro in Sapele, Delta State of Nigeria. He is preceded in death by 4 siblings: Phillip, Mary, Ojogun and Wilson Abiodun Abiro.

He is survived by his wife, Rebeca B. Abiro, and his children: Rebekah Alero Flores (Joey), Sarah Odoure Abiro-Wilmot (Christopher), Naomi Oristemeyiwa Abiro, Gabriel Jemine Abiro (Samantha), Martha Eyitemi Abiro, and Juliana Ayo Abiro. He was “Papa” to two grandchildren: Hannah Isabella Omasan Flores and Gabriel Jemine Abiro, Jr.

Emmanuel graduated from Zik Academy High School in 1975 and in 1976 joined his oldest brother Phillip in Lagos where he attended a Telecom Technical School, and upon graduation, worked as a Telecom

technician in Lagos, Nigeria.

Emmanuel J. Abiro was an outstanding and popular soccer player in Sapele, Delta, state of Nigeria, where he earned the nickname “Adidas”. Emmanuel would later join the Pan American (now UTRGV) Men’s Soccer Team in 1982, while a freshman.

In pursuit of a college degree, Emmanuel joined his brother Wilson who was an engineer in the U.S., and attended Pan American University (now UTRGV) in Edinburg where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing and later returned to complete a second degree in Social Studies. It was in Edinburg where he met the love of his life, Rebeca (Bekie) Blanco Abiro.

Emmanuel worked at the Houston Post, The Monitor, and more recently, with the Mission CISD (Kenneth White Jr. High School and Alton Memorial Jr. High). All of his students had a special place in his heart, and he sincerely cared for each one of them, encouraging them to excel in their studies and in life.

Emmanuel lost both of his parents when he was between 14-17 years old. But he was blessed with a second set of parents – his father- inlaw (Rev. Samuel Blanco) whom he called “Papi” and his mother-inlaw (Esther M. Blanco) whom he called “Mami” and whom he loved dearly. He also had a close relationship with his Blanco brothers and sisters-in-law, and his love for each one of them was genuine. He loved his numerous nieces and nephews and was proud of all of them.

He was a long-time member of El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church in McAllen where he served as Sunday school teacher, youth coordinator, food pantry ministry, and sharing God’s word through preaching and bible studies.

The Abiro Family is extremely grateful for all who have expressed their sincere condolences in so many ways. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please make checks payable to El Divino Redentor UMC (P.O. Box 1570, McAllen, Texas, 78501) and note “E.J. Abiro Scholarship Fund” in the memo section.