Brother Joseph E. Herrera, FMS

Brother Joseph E. Herrera, FMS passed away at the Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. He was 77 years old and in his 58th year of Marist religious life. He was the son of the late Cecilio Herrera and Maria Rebecca Ferrara.

Brother Joe attended the Marist Juniorate at Esopus and Cold-Spring-on-Hudson, New York (1962-1965). Upon graduation, he entered the Marist Brothers Novitiate at Esopus. He received the habit on August 15, 1966 and made first profession of vows on August 15, 1967. After his first profession, he went to the Scholasticate at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY and graduated with a BA in Chemistry in 1970. He made his final profession of vows in Laredo, Texas in 1975. Later on he did graduate studies at St. Mary’s University in Texas and completed an MA in Theology in 1982.

He began his teaching career at St. Joseph Academy in Laredo, Texas (1970-1973). When the school closed, he taught at J.W. Nixon High School in Laredo (1973-1984) and then went on to work as a Youth Minister for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas (1984-87 and 1987-1995). In 1987 he participated in the Marist Brothers Second Novitiate Renewal Program in Fribourg, Switzerland. He returned to teach at J.W. Nixon High School in Laredo (1995-1999) and then ministered in the Youth Cursillo Retreat program of the Diocese of Laredo (1999-2002). He spent the next several years as a teacher at St. Augustine High School (2002-2007), Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School (2007-2009) and Raymond and Tirza Martin High School (2009-2017), all in Laredo. Brother Joe retired from the Laredo Independent School District in June, 2017.

A faithful member of St. Martin de Porres Church, Brother Joe continued to journey with others as a spiritual director after retirement.

The family will be receiving condolences on Tuesday evening, June 25, 2024 from 4 to 9 p.m. at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church,1704 Sandman St. Laredo, Texas 78041; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 26. 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church in Laredo, Texas. Burial will follow in the Marist Brothers plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Laredo.

Oh, what consolation we have, when about to appear before God, to remember that we have lived in the favor of Mary, and in her own Society. – St. Marcellin Champagnat

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.