Eugenio R. Cortez Jr., age 85 of San Antonio, Texas went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on November 29, 1938 to Petra and Eugenio L. Cortez, Sr. He graduated from Sydney Lanier High School in 1958 and immediately entered into service with the United States Army. During his 20-year career, Eugenio was stationed at several bases throughout the United States as well as overseas. Most notably, he served in the Korean DMZ in 1965, and fought in the Vietnam War from 1971 - 1972. After a final tour of duty at Fort Myer Virginia, he was honorably discharged in 1978, retiring Sergeant First Class. During his military career he earned several awards including Outstanding Drill Sergeant in 1969 in Ft. Lewis, Washington, and 2 Bronze Stars for Valor in combat in the Vietnam War.
After Eugenio retired from the Army, he attended San Antonio College and would go on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1981. During his schooling, he also volunteered as a choir member at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, became a member of the Southside Boy's Club Advisory Council, taught CCD at St. Michael's Church and was a Scout Master for St. Michael's Church Pack 165. He also received recognition in the Who's Who in American Colleges during his academic years.
After he earned his degree in 3 years, Eugenio went to work for the Boy Scouts of America as an Executive before transitioning to being a Social Worker for the Ella Austin Community Center. During those years, he was also PTA President of Douglass Elementary. In 1985, he began his second full time career, this time with the San Antonio Independent School District. He began as a substitute teacher, later transitioning to a Para Professional and then finally to Social Worker. He retired after 19 years with the district in 2004. Eugenio worked primarily at J.T. Brackenridge Elementary School, Brackenridge High School, and finally Lanier High School.
Eugenio was a man who gave back to his community and helped anybody he met along the way. He previously volunteered as a Youth Minister and Lectern at St. Michael's Catholic Church as well as becoming a member of the San Antonio Metro Alliance. Eugenio was a member of the Fraternity of Social Workers and was a former District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a current member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 9342 (4th degree) from 1989 to present, serving as Grand Knight in 1991 and finally as Financial Secretary. In 2002, he began his third career, this time volunteering with the Red Cross of San Antonio. He served first as a Mass Care Team member, then ultimately as the Disaster Services Coordinator responsible for Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes and Wilson Counties. He officially retired after 21 years of Red Cross volunteer service in October 2023.
For all of his service to various volunteer organizations, he received numerous awards, including the Eagle's Wings Award from the Boy Scouts of America, Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Red Cross for 20 years of service, and the Bien Hecho (or “Done Right”) Award for outstanding volunteer.
During his period of volunteer service, he also became a prolific writer, creating his online Blog, “Gene’s Corner – Memories of My Generation, Past & Present”, in which he chronicled his life in short stories. He also wrote a book about his upbringing and life in the military titled, “This Too Shall Pass” which is included at his website www.GenesCorner.com.
Eugenio is preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anita Cortez; his children, Martin Cortez (Mercedes), Anne Marie Bryan (Patrick) of Havre De Grace, Maryland, John Cortez (Laura) and “son” Michael Barron (Carin); his siblings, Delia Ruiz (Joe), Gloria Cortez, Joe Cortez (Rose), and Robert Cortez (Martha); his grandchildren, Eric Cortez (Maria), Brandon Cortez of San Marcos, Christian Cortez of San Marcos, Angelina Cortez, Jeremiah Mata, Cat Mata and Natasha Mata; and great grandchildren, Alexander and Ezekiel Cortez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation for Eugenio will be held Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78205. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, 418 Indiana St, San Antonio, Texas 78210. Burial with full military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
