Rene Valerio

Rene Valerio, age 77, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at a hospital in Corpus Christi surrounded by his family. He was born in San Diego, Texas on September 27, 1947, he was the only child of Andres and Gregoria A. Valerio. Rene graduated from San Diego High School, where he played football for the San Diego Vaqueros. He immediately started work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, D.C., upon graduation. He returned to San Diego, married Jacobita and started his family.
 
He began his professional career with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), retiring from TxDOT following 34 years of service. During this time, Rene also served his community in San Diego as an active member of St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Lion’s Club, and the Mutualistas. He was passionate about fishing, baseball and a (frustrated) Cowboys football fan. His commitment to youth was seen in his coaching of Little League teams in both Alice (Optimist Team, coaching with Servando Canales) and San Diego (Cardinals, coaching with Martin Vela). He also coached All-Star baseball teams through post-season tournament play. During the 1970s and early 80’s, Rene played softball with the San Diego Molex team, traveling to Alice and neighboring towns for tournaments. He also participated in bowling leagues and was part of the 2000 Texas State Bowling Alley Championship Tournament in San Antonio. Rene enjoyed spending time at the ranch with his friends and looked forward to catching up at their weekly gathering.
 
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) recognizes his over 25 years of service to the San Diego ISD. During this time, he served in multiple roles on the Board of Trustees. He could be found at most SDISD sport and academic events and was a staple at Lady Vaquero softball games and Vaquero football games, where he proudly wore his blue and gold. He was grateful to the community of San Diego for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve on the SDISD Board of Trustees.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andres “Chico” and Gregoria Valerio, as well as fur babies, Buddy and Penny. He recently lost multiple cousins he grew up with in La Rosita, Texas.
 
Rene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jacobita “Jacob” Valerio; daughter Melissa (Troy) Valerio-Shewmaker of Harlingen, Texas; and son Rene Andres “Andy” (Joanna) Valerio of San Diego, Texas; four granddaughters, Laura A. Valerio; Alyssa R. Valerio; Abigail G. Shewmaker and Coral R. Shewmaker. His pride and joy was his great-grandson Ernesto Justus “E.J.” Vela, who he loved spending time with and loved attending his soccer and basketball games.
 
Visitation will begin on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego, Texas followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in San Diego at 11:30 a.m. All services will conclude at the church.

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.