Jose Guadalupe Hilario Trevino Martinez M.D.

He was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Higinio Treviño Espinosa and Carmen Martinez Gonzalez on November 10, 1931.

At Baptism he was given the name, Jose Guadalupe Hilario Treviño Martinez. Guadalupe for the 400-year anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Hilario in tribute to his maternal grandfather, who had passed in April of that year.

He graduated from the Medical School at the University of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, NL, Mexico. He completed his Residency at Quincy Hospital in Boston, MA. He later graduated from the Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX with a specialty/certificate in Orthopedic Surgery. He was Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He practiced medicine for over 50 years in both Mexico and the United States and was the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Santa Rosa Hospital (now Christus) in San Antonio, TX. He also practiced at the Downtown Baptist, Southeast Baptist, Southwest General and Lutheran hospitals. He is remembered for being a dedicated physician who put his patients first and was always willing to help other physicians. He remained active in his field into his 70's.

He was married to Elizabeth Stein Treviño, the mother of his children and love of his life, whom he met when he was a medical resident and she was a nurse in Massachusetts in 1953. They later divorced and he married his second wife, Dr. Linda Samuel of Austin, TX in 1983, now deceased.

Dr. Hilario Treviño is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Higino/Charro and sisters Maria de Jesus/Cuata and Caridad/Caro; Granddaughter: Sara; Great-Grandchildren: Devaun and August.

He is survived by his first wife, Elizabeth S. Treviño; Siblings and (Spouses): Carmen/Titi, Ana Maria, Jaime (Maria Luisa), Jose de Jesus/Cuate (Blanquita), Antonio/Toño (Maria Luisa) ; Children and (Spouses): David, Noel (Ann-Marie), Eric (Cindy), Elisa (David Jones), Alan (Laura) and Tomas; Grandchildren and (Spouses): Daniel (Tatiana), Matthew, Jerre, Amee (Logan Kovacs), Rose, Taylor-Ann (Joshua Beltz), Michael, Jayme, Kimberly (Austin May), Johanna, Lauren and Christian; Great-Grandchildren: William, Liliana, Azure, Peyton, Kaden, Kendal, Gage, Kai, Milo, Elsie, Henry, Magdalen, Vincent and Salvatore. Numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, and many friends and colleagues.

In addition to his work, he loved to travel, had a fondness for history, got excited watching bull-fights or boxing, was partial to convertible cars, and had a deep appreciation for renaissance men like Leonardo DaVinci and Michaelangelo. Dr. Treviño was also an inventor, avid art collector, wrote poetry, composed music and sketched in his spare time. He even published a book of poems and recorded several collections of songs he wrote with the help of Daniel Monserrat and Trio Janitzio.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped care for our father; specifically; Jovi Fischer for her long time dedication to him; Dr. Joseph Marotta and Dr. John Campagna for their excellent medical care; The caregivers and nurses at Visiting Angels, Brookdale-Oakwell, Harbour Hospice, Acti-Kare and Parklane West for their compassionate and professional care.

Visitation begins at 10:45am, followed by a Rosary to be held at 11:30 am, then a Memorial Mass at Noon on Saturday, December 9th at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3919 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Reception will be held at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio Tx, 78218 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

Interment will be on Monday, December 11th at 10:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Trevino family.

************************************************** My father *********************************************************

My father is my hero. He was larger than life. He leaves a tremendous mark in this world that few men will ever measure up to. He overcame incredible odds with a determined spirit of will, faith, hope and love that carries with me. He didn’t have an easy path. He was the only one of 9 children to come to the United States to pursue a higher education. His family didn’t have a lot of money but somehow by the grace and will of God he forged a way.

Imagine for one moment the determination and courage to become a doctor in a foreign country where still today immigrants are not always welcomed.

Although he could be stubborn, he was humble and held his beliefs close to his heart. It was this spirt and the love of his mother that never let him give up. His mother meant everything to him. She was the inspiration behind his drive and desire to be a doctor, a father and a faithful Christian.

Growing up I saw two sides of my dad. When I was young, I recall a stoic driven strict hardworking man who was gone in the mornings before I left to school and many many times came home late after I was asleep at night. He wasn’t the dad that took us hunting or fishing or camping. He was dedicated to his patients and providing for his family. He was not very affectionate as I recall when we were young however as he grew older, I saw another side of my dad emerge.

This side of my dad was very different. The man who never hugged and kissed me was now kissing me and everyone he met. He also developed a strange habit of ending the kiss with an affectionate double slap on the face that was a source of many family jokes. He often slapped you out of habit but it was so automatic customary and ritual that he did not realize how hard he was slapping you sometimes. It was all done in love and affection. So today in memory of my dad would you double slap the face of anyone you kiss.

Besides being more affectionate we learned my dad had another wonderful talent we never experienced growing up. My dad wrote poems, mostly in Spanish and kept them in a collection on any paper he could find at the time he was inspired. Not just one or two but hundreds of poems. I don’t think any of us know when he started but by the content of material, he did this for many years. Many of these poems he wrote he turned into songs. When he had an idea for the music, he would whistle the tune into a micro recorder that he used for medical dictation and take this recorder to a Mexican trio and asked them to record the tune and words and instruments. He would then critic the song with the musicians until the song was re-recorded and perfected to his ears. The result of this was magic. He went on to create several albums of music and songs that he would proudly and graciously hand out to anyone who showed interest. From time to time, he would showcase his music and poems at event halls he would rent out. Looking back, it was all extraordinary. He also published a book of his poems and guess what, its available on Amazon.

Many people go through life and never find their compass. My dad knew what he wanted to do and did it very well. He devoted his life to help heal people. He wrote beautiful poems and songs that are treasures to enjoy over and over. My dad would always tell us how blessed and lucky he was but truly we were all blessed to have him in our lives. May his life inspire you to reach farther and deeper.

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In the presence of shared grief and love, we gather today to celebrate the extraordinary life of Jose Guadalupe Hilario Trevino Martinez, known affectionately as Pop. As we embark on this journey of remembrance, let us recall his profound wisdom and begin with a reflection on gratitude: "Gratitude is not merely a sentiment, but a melody that echoed through every chord of Pop's years—a song of love, family, and the profound appreciation for every chapter written in the book of life."

We gather here today not to mourn the passing of a man, but to celebrate the extraordinary life of Hilario, a true Renaissance soul who lived 92 remarkable years.

We affectionately called him Pop, a title that captured the warmth and endearment he infused into every aspect of our lives. Pop was not just a grandfather; he was a patriarch, a source of wisdom, laughter, and unyielding love. (Share a slap on the face and a kiss on the cheek)

Pop's life was a testament to the beauty of versatility. He was a doctor, an artist, a musician, a writer, and a poet. In a world that often tries to categorize and define us, literally no boarders could contain him, Pop embraced the full spectrum of human experience. His curiosity knew no bounds, and he explored the richness of life with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and creation.

As a doctor, Pop healed not only bodies but also spirits. His compassionate care touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of wellness and comfort. (Need more/less)

In the realm of art, Pop was a maestro, weaving vibrant tapestries with a palette of colors as rich and diverse as his experiences. His canvases told stories of life, love, and resilience. He expressed his curiosity and captured it in many mediums, from bedazzling a cow’s head to weaving old ties on canvass, he wasn’t afraid of coloring outside the lines.

The written word was another realm Pop conquered with grace. His writings were more than words; they were windows into his profound thoughts and reflections. Poems flowed effortlessly from his pen, capturing the essence of moments in lyrical beauty. His stories, a legacy that will be passed down through generations, a treasure trove of wisdom.

Family was the cornerstone of Pop's world. He loved deeply, with a passion that transcended generations. Gatherings at his home were not just events; they were reunions of hearts, laughter echoing off the walls, and the aroma of love lingering in the air. His legacy lives on in the bonds we share and the traditions he instilled.

Pop's faith was the compass guiding him through life's journey. In moments of joy, he praised; in moments of trial, he found strength. His faith was a beacon, a testament to the enduring power of belief and gratitude.

And gratitude, oh, how Pop embraced it. Gratitude for the simple pleasures, the profound moments, and the overarching tapestry of life. He taught us to appreciate the sunrise, the rain, and the sound of loved ones' laughter.

As we bid farewell to Pop in the physical realm, let us remember that his spirit lives on in each one of us. He has left us not just with memories but with a legacy of passion, creativity, and love that will continue to shape our lives.

Thank you, Pop, for being the patriarch of our family, for being a beacon of light, and for teaching us that a life well-lived is a life filled with love.

May your soul rest in eternal peace, and may your legacy inspire generations to come.

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On behalf of our family, I want to thank each and every one of you for attending and honoring our father this way. It’s a great comfort to be among so many friends and family. And I know he is looking down at us today and smiling, just like his portrait, because he loved to get together with family and friends.

I would like to ask, if you haven’t already…Please share your favorite memory or story or photo of him on his obituary web site…It will be a treasure for us to keep and read later.

It was a bit shocking to get the call on Thanksgiving morning, we had just seen him the day before, in his bed, resting. At first, I even thought it may have been a mistake. Once the reality set in, we didn’t know what to do about Thanksgiving…all the plans, all the food? Eventually, my brother Alan decided to pare down the gathering and just have our immediate family get together. It was perfect, it was just what we needed, to be with each other, to grieve and console.

I realized later, just how fitting a day it was for my dad to pass…

He would always say, ‘God has been so good to me. He has blessed me with more than I need and more than I deserve. I am so thankful to God for helping me in my life.

And isn’t that the true meaning of the Holiday? So, it will always be a day to remember him and the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

And he was at peace, having just gathered with his family. We had just celebrated his 92nd birthday a couple weeks earlier. Some of his family from Monterrey, Mexico had driven up. Jorge, Suzanna, Cuate and Blanquita were all here. And all his kids, and our mom, and the grandkids that live in San Antonio were together. Nothing fancy, just some lasagna and salad and cake. Singing Happy Birthday and Las Mananitas. Most importantly, spending time together, sharing some food and drink, sharing a story and a laugh.

And during Thanksgiving week, some of the grandkids and great grandkids from Salt Lake City came in for the Holiday. Amee, Logan, Rose, Milo, Elsie and Henry visited him the day before he passed. He was resting in bed, as he often would, but they got to speak with him and it was very sweet. It had been a couple of years since they had seen each other. And he was at peace.

We left it in God’s hands and He picked the perfect day for Pop.

It’s impossible to try and cover the 92 years of his life and what he meant to us and to his friends. But my brother Eric did a great job in a eulogy he wrote, called My Father….

He grew up of modest means in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico…

When he was a young boy, cars were still a novelty… the road in front of his house was originally dirt, once it was paved cars would drive by

He was outside playing with the neighborhood boys, when a driver asked them to give his car a push to get it started….

The boys pushed the car, the driver popped the clutch and it started and the boys backed off. Except, dad got scared and jumped on to the running board for a little while, then lost his balance and fell off, landing on the street and hitting his head hard. He was knocked out and bleeding from the head.

A neighbor saw him and picked him up to take him to his home. As he was being carried, he threw up blood…..(not really, they had been eating watermelon all morning)

They laid him in bed and called the doctor. When, the doctor came to the house to check him, he told them to take him to the hospital to get an xray. Once they got the results, they could see that he had cracked his skull. The doctors told his mom & dad, he was ‘lastimado del cerebro’….he had a brain injury. They told them to be careful with him and don’t let him play sports. They also told his parents, don’t expect too much from him, he’s probably gonna be a little slow.

His mother would make sure that every school and teacher knew he could not play sports. But, she also took him to church and lit a candle at the back of the church for him. Asking God to help her son be ok, to grow up and be normal and for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe to help her son. She got on her knees, candle in one hand, him in the other, and walked on her knees down the aisle to the alter, praying all the while. She was a ‘Guadalupana’, as were all her Martinez family. She had such strong faith; she knew he would be alright.

He credits his mom’s faith in God, faith in Our Lady and faith in him for his own faith and success. He had a great love for Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He was born in 1931, the 400 year anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe and today, December 9, the day of his funeral, is the day of the first appearance happened. It is not a coincidence, it was meant to be.

He loved being a doctor and being able to help people heal, but he didn’t do it the easy way. He graduated from Medical School in Monterrey, NL, Mexico, did his surgical residency in Boston, then returned to Monterrey with his wife and two children to begin practice. He wasn’t satisfied with his opportunities or earnings and found an opening for a surgeon at the TB Hospital in Harlingen, Texas. Once again, he moved with my mom and now with four kids. He loved surgery and wanted to further specialize in either plastic surgery or orthopedics. Once he learned of an opening at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, he applied, but was told that the class was already full. Disappointed, he asked that they keep the application for the next year. Once he got back home to Harlingen, he got a phone call from his future professor and mentor, Dr Charles Rockwood Jr…He told him that one of the students had to drop and he was their first choice to fill the seat, (this is one of the many times, he believes God interceded on his behalf) but only had 24 hours to make a decision. With the support of my mom, he accepted and this time they moved to San Antonio with five kids in tow. He always gave my mom credit for taking care of him and the kids, he couldn’t have done it without her.

He has a part in San Antonio orthopedic history. He was in the OR as a resident, when Dr. John J Hinchey performed the first total hip replacement in San Antonio. Hip replacements were being done in Europe and Japan, but not in the US. It was still considered ‘experimental’ and SA was one of only four citites in the US allowed to perform the surgery at the time. He was also one of the first orthopedics to perform arthroscopic surgery on the knee. Santa Rosa, where he was primarily practicing, did not have any arthroscopic equipment, but he believed in the technique and technology and went out and bought his own equipment. Slowly, the other orthopedic surgeons adopted the procedure, the hospital bought the equipment and today it’s commonplace.

Later in his life, he started writing poetry about growing up in Mexico, about love, about his mother, about San Antonio, even about pan dulce (sweet bread). But I believe the one he felt most important, is the one he put at the beginning of his book.

I’d like to close with it…in Spanish and English

It’s called, ‘Yo Pecador’…I, a Sinner

Quiero agradecerle a Dios,

lo mucho que me ha querido.

Por todo que me ha dado

yo me siento bendecido,

pues he recibido mucho,

sin haberlo merecido.

Pues de los diez mandamientos

algunos yo no he cumplido,

quiero pedirte perdón,

sabiendo que te he ofendido.

No me abandones señor,

Pues pecador he nacido.

Hoy que me encuentro ante ti,

perdóname una vez más

de rodillas te lo pido.

I want to thank God

for how much He loved me.

For everything he has given me,

I feel blessed.

For I have received much

without having deserved it.

Of the Ten Commandments

some I’ve not fulfilled.

I want to ask Your forgiveness,

knowing I have offended You.

Don’t abandon me Father,

for I was born a sinner.

Today, I find myself before you

Forgive me, once again

From my knees, I pray.

We Love ya, Pops….we’ll see you later