Rene' Luis Amaya

Rene’ L. Amaya passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on June 11, 2026. He is reunited in heaven with the love of his life and wife of 29 years, JoAnn Marie Amaya, who preceded him in eternal rest in August of 2024. He was a dedicated federal law enforcement officer, a proud Texas Longhorn, and cherished family man. He leaves behind a distinguished legacy of dedicated service to his country and love for his family.

Born on June 4, 1952, Rene’ grew up with in San Diego, Texas. He was a gifted student and athlete. His academic and athletic drive took him to the University of Texas at Austin, where he proudly wore the burnt orange as a scholarship football player for the Texas Longhorns. His passion for the game never faded; he remained a lifelong, die-hard fan of both the Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys.

After graduating from the University of Texas, Rene’ embarked on a distinguished career as an FBI Special Agent that spanned nearly 30 years. With unwavering dedication, Rene’ protected and served communities across the United States, with assignments taking him to Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Newark (NJ), and eventually to his home of Corpus Christi. He approached his work with the utmost professionalism and honor, earning the deep respect of his fellow agents, and the prosecutors and judges with whom he worked.

In his well-deserved retirement, Rene’ prioritized his daily exercise, loved tinkering around the house fixing anything that needed care, and thoroughly enjoyed unwinding with his favorite television shows. He was an avid poker player, loved to barbeque, and cherished his family.

Rene’s presence brought comfort, safety, and joy to those who truly knew him. He was a pillar for his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, his FBI fraternity, and the South Texas communities he proudly called home.

Rene’ is survived by his sons, Rolando Amaya (Nicole) and Michael McAvoy-Amaya (Betty); his stepdaughters, April Nolan and Crystal Nolan; and his siblings, Becky Oliveira (David) and Rudy Amaya (Laleh). He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kendra (Drew), Eliana, Brice, Layden, Lance, Alisa; and a great-grandfather to Harper and Alexia. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, former colleagues, and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his parents, Ramon and Rebecca Amaya; his brother, Ramon Amaya; and his beloved Tios and Tias, Pedro Luna (Evelyn), Torcuato Luna (Connie), and Esperanza Gonzalez (Pete), and nephew Daniel Oliveira

Active Pallbearers: Rolando Amaya, Michael J. McAvoy-Amaya, Alex Oliveira, Matthew Oliveira
 
Visitation will begin on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home – San Diego with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Paula Church – San Diego. 
 
Arrangements are under the care of Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc.