Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rosendo Ted Gutierrez Jr. was born December 27, 1949 in San Antonio, Texas to Rosendo Uriegas Gutierrez and Rosa Maria Gutierrez (Rodriguez) (deceased). He finished his long, hard battle with cancer on February 1, 2025. Throughout his journey, he displayed an unwavering faith, never losing his spirit, his sense of adventure or his desire to stay connected with his loved ones. His strength and resilience in the face of adversity were an inspiration to all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Martha “Marty” Gutierrez (Torres), his children Katherine Perez (Felipe), Celeste Mari Sandoval (Xavier), Celina Maida “Shorty” Gutierrez, and Cesar Martin “Turtle” Gutierrez. He is a beloved grandfather to Coby Mathias Gutierrez, and Savannah Rose Gutierrez (both also his adopted children) and grandson Dryver Rhys Sandoval.
He is also survived by his father, Rosendo U. Gutierrez and stepmother, Sylvia Gutierrez (Lara) and siblings, Mary Jane Ortiz (Miguel), Gilbert Gutierrez (JoAnn), Phillip Gutierrez (Ernesto), Barbara Gutierrez Aguirre-Minear (Steven), Ross Gutierrez (Jonie), Roxanne McNeill (Stephen) and stepsiblings, Linda Lara-Spain, Rita Gallegos (Anthony), Larry Lara, Anthony Lara. As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and brother Edward Gutierrez (Yolanda).
He graduated from Edgewood High School, San Antonio, Texas in 1968. He attended St. Mary's University of San Antonio, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Baylor University, graduating with a Master of Physical Therapy.
He entered the Army on November 10, 1972. He received basic training and advanced individual training as a 91B Medical Corpsman. In May 1973, his first assignment was with Brooke Army Medical center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
On July 24, 1974, he received his commission as an Army Medical Specialist Corps Officer and in September 1974 entered the U.S. Army-Baylor University Program in Physical Therapy. He was assigned to various installations across the world after completing his training as a physical therapist in December 1975.
Upon his return to the United States, he resumed his position as Chief, Physical Therapy of the Burn Unit, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research. In August 1989, he was assigned as Program Director of the tri-service 303-91J10 Physical Therapy specialist Course at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School.
LTC Gutierrez’s awards include the Armed Forces Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Humanitarian Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Star Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Field Medical Badge.
He retired after twenty-one years of distinguished military service on July 1, 1994, and retired from his second job as a private contractor in 2020 devoting most of his time to other ventures.
Ted was a member of St. Helena’s Catholic Church during his time since returning to San Antonio where he served as a catechist and religious instructor since the late 90s. He also devoted much of his time to the Edgewood District Veterans Organization where he served as President for two terms and the Edgewood Education Foundation. He was inducted into the Edgewood Foundation Hall of Fame on March 30, 2024. Ted was an avid dancer which led to him and Marty joining Urban 15’s Carnaval De San Anto for over 15 years. They marched and danced in President Obama’s second inaugural parade.
We would like to thank Brooke Army Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Dr. Michael Osswald, nurses and staff. They helped him fight Multiple Myeloma for 15 years and later stomach cancer. We also would like to thank all at Hope Hospice and especially the 11th-hour volunteers who brought peace and emotional comfort to Ted.
Ted packed a lot of living, adventures, and lessons in 75 years here on Earth. He will be missed but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the family can be made by PayPal: @MartyFlamingo, Cash App at $flamingograndma1 or contact Martha Gutierrez at 210-724-2885.
A rosary will take place at Porter Loring Mortuary North at 7:00 pm, March 13, 2025. Mass will be noon the next day, Friday, March 14, at St. Helena Catholic Church. Reception to follow at American Legion Post #2, 3518 Fredericksburg Rd, 2-4 pm.
