Tirzo M. Valdez Jr., a Houston native, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the age of 73. He was born on October 31, 1947 (he enjoyed celebrating his birthday with a big Halloween party every year). He was preceded in death by his parents, Tirzo and Maria Valdez, his two brothers, Johnny and Carlos Valdez, and sister Helen Alvarado. Tirzo is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Alice Valdez, his children, Sharon and Patrick, Katheryn and Michael, and Timothy and Melissa, his grandchildren, Sarah and Jason, Patrick and Azaria, Meagan and Jose, Mick, Brittany and Jordan, and soon to be born Thomas Leo (expected January, 2021), and 12 Great Grandchildren: Jaxton, Aurélie (lil Bea), Janiva, Alayna, Dominick, Merilynn, Zain, Penelope, Michael, Maximus, Tyler, and Claire whom he considered his biggest blessings and loved with all his heart. Tirzo is also survived by his sisters; Esther, Dalia, Belinda, Hovita, Velma, Gloria, and Rosemary.
Tirzo proudly served in the US Marines and the US Army 1st Infantry division from January 21, 1966 through June 25, 1971. Tirzo served in Vietnam and received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and a Sharpshooter Badge.
Our dad was such a hard worker and made sure his kids always got what we wanted (even if Mom said no). He loved to go fishing, hunting, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and loved to cook. When Dad would cook you would think he was cooking for the whole block, and he often was - he knew no stranger and welcomed anyone and everyone, and made sure everyone in his home felt like family. A family man in every sense of the word, his deepest passion was spending as much time as he could with his family and creating lifelong memories. There was never a time that he wasn’t inviting everyone over for a cookout for no other reason than spending time together. He was persistent about planning family outings and celebrations, having everyone over to watch the game – any excuse he could find to bring us all together. His grandchildren loved him so much that they would go with him on fishing trips knowing that was what their grandpa loved to do, regardless of whether or not they caught any fish they truly just cherished the quality time shared together and memories they made to cherish forever. These are the gifts all of us are most grateful that Dad left with us. The memories he created that we will look back so fondly on, share with our kids and grandkids about him, and cherish for the rest of our lives. We would love to hear the memories and see the pictures you have with our dad so we can cherish those as well.
We miss you so much, Daddy; we wish we had more time with you. Please look over us, protect us, and every now and then let us know you are here with us. And please especially look over mom.
MISSING YOU ALWAYS
You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why.
In life We Loved you dearly, In death We love you still.
In our hearts We hold a place , That only you can fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone.
A part of us went with you, The day God took you home.
We Love You Always & Forever
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