Oscar J. Valdez

Oscar Jesus Valdez passed into life on September 6, 2013. Born in 1934 in San Antonio, Texas, he was preceded in death by his parents, Eloisa Cadena de Valdez and Jose G. Valdez. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Catherine Galindo; sons, Oscar J. Valdez and wife Betty; Edward C. Valdez and wife, Eun of Austin; daughter, Mary Ann Martinez and husband, Albert; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Delia V. Jaramillo and Norma V. Cumpian of San Antonio; brother, Richard Valdez and wife, Yolanda, of Sugarland; and many nieces and nephews. A long-time member and deacon of St. Luke Catholic Church, Oscar will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched in his efforts as a community activist. He graduated from San Antonio Vocational & Technical School and later graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Incarnate Word. Oscar worked for many years with several civil engineering firms and retired after a long career with a consulting environmental engineering firm.

As a young man he was active with the Young Men’s Sodality of St. Alyosius Gonzaga. As a newlywed, he joined the Holy Name Society and served on the Parish Council of several local Catholic parishes. He was also active with the RENEW and ALPHA programs as well as ACTS. Oscar was a Team member of the very first ACTS Retreat ever, right here in San Antonio. He also volunteered for many church festivals. He was active for many years as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. He entered the formation program for the permanent Diaconate in 2000 and was ordained in June, 2004.

Oscar was also a member for many years of several civic organizations including LULAC and AACOG, where he chaired the Health Coordinating Committee; and served as board member as well for IMAGE and MAUC for many interesting years. He was a co-founder of MAUC and chairman of the board of Directors for this non-profit CDC that provided affordable housing, job training, and bilingual education for Westside San Antonio.

Oscar’s intellect constantly challenged all to higher thinking as evidenced by his membership in MENSA. His love of music was the classics: St. Saens, “Symphony No. 3,” especially the fourth movement labeled “Majestic” by the composer (think of the movie, “Babe”); Mussorgky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, Edgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” and Beethoven’s 6th. He was an avid reader particularly of mysteries for relaxation. Oscar’s devotion to our Lord was evident in every part of his life. He was true to his faith and showed it in his love for life, family and his obvious dedication to a good work ethic. He leaves behind many loving extended family members and numerous special friends who will always hold him dear in their hearts. Words cannot express our gratitude to Fr. Jim and the St. Luke Catholic Community. The family expresses their sincerest gratitude to Christus Hospice staff, especially Ann McAdams, RN, Jorge Gonzales and Dr. Ken Smith.

Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Bandera Road on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a rosary to be held 7 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church; 4603 Manitou; San Antonio, Texas on September 11, 2013 at 10 A.M. presided by Fr. Jim Barlow. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Luke Catholic Church.