Antonio "Tony" Cortez

Antonio “Tony” Cortez, 52, was born August 29, 1968 in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of Estefana Estrada and Antonio Cortez. After moving from Dallas to San Antonio, Texas as a child, Tony was raised on San Antonio’s West Side most of his life. Tony passed away at a local hospital in San Antonio, Texas, after a brief, but serious hospitalization on July 23, 2021.

Tony met his wife, Debra Gutierrez Cortez in 1994 and eventually married in July of 1997. He and his wife were married 24 years at the time of his passing. They lived in San Antonio for all of their married life.

For over 20 years, Tony worked the night shift for North Central Baptist Hospital Emergency Room. His Coworkers and friends will miss his “Huge Presence” with the night shift ER crew. Tony made many friends throughout the years. These friendships have lasted several years and he still maintained these friendships. Tony was known for his boisterous personality and unique laugh. He would make the most of any situation, good, bad, or busy days. And his ER coworkers often relied on his “Cool Head” on the busiest of ER days.

Tony was also known for his love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He loved to fish and Victor Braunig Lake was his favorite fishing spot. His family and friends would go with Tony to his “Honey Hole” where they often witnessed him catching the famous Red Fish. Those who knew him best have many photos to prove this. He also enjoyed dove hunting and white tail deer hunting during their respective seasons.

Tony’s love of the outdoors was transmitted to his Godson and nephews. They were able to spend many a day out on the lake with their uncle, adding to their learning. Tony was proud of each one of their unique fishing preferences.

His mother, Estefana Estrada, precedes Tony in death. He will be laid to rest next to his mother.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Debra G. Cortez. His maternal aunts also survive Tony: Lidia E. (Roberto) Delgado, and Delia E. (Leopoldo) Ledesma. Tony’s death is also survived by his brother, Juan (Molly) Briones; sisters Dolores (Esteban) Valerio, Angela (Miguel) Castaneda, Dora (Benny) Rymers, Martha (Magdaleno) Noyola, and Isabel (Jesus) Ibarra. In addition, he had numerous nephews and nieces that he loved and cared for very much.

Memorial Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, Texas 78218 on August 2, 2021. Viewing will begin at 5 PM and a rosary will begin at 7 PM.

On Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, services will commence at with a mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 10 AM, at 4411 Moana Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78218.

After mass, procession will depart for San Fernando Cemetery #2, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78237.