Rafael Quiroz Jr.

RAFAEL A. QUIROZ JR. November 30, 1929 - June 08, 2014 As the day was drawing to a close on Sunday, June 8, 2014, so did a book conclude its final page of an enduring, loving, and memorable life of Rafael A. Quiroz Jr., 84; when he closed his eyes and returned to his heavenly home at his residence, surrounded by his loving and caring family. Rafael was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952. He was a Sgt. Medic with the 35th Infantry Rgmt., 25th Infantry Division, serving during the Korean War. During his service as a Medic, he helped many of his wounded comrades, and because of his very outgoing self, earned the nickname of "Crazy Medic". During his service, he received the following medals, Korean Service Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Combat Medical Badge. Rafael can be described as a loving father, beloved husband, proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In his civic involvement, he was an integral part in the expansion project of the Market Street tennis courts in Central Laredo. This project was very dear to him as he was an amazing tennis player. He promoted the bringing of several tennis tournaments to our city from South Texas and Northern Mexico. Since his love for family and country was always present, he always wanted to serve and became a very successful businessman in the community. Before there was NAFTA, Rafael helped as a key player in the opening of the "Maquiladora" program in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. 25 years ago, he became a licensed US Custom Broker and owned International Custom Services. He was also the President of the local Broker's Association. Being a successful entrepreneur, he and his family owned and operated several business locally. Rafael loved to travel, enjoyed a good theatre, loved the arts and dancing. We will remember the many times we gathered with him for a good and filling, "Carne Asada". Until recently, he enjoyed his reunions with his classmates from the class of 1947. He was a great example of a faithful Catholic, giving of his time, talent and treasure. Two of his favorite charities that he would frequently donate too were the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the US Olympics. As we close a very important chapter in both his and our lives, we thank God for the many blessings bestowed during the 84 years of life. He gave us many memories that will forever be held in our hearts and minds. May God grant him eternal rest in the company of all the angels and saints. Descansa en paz. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Patricia M. "Petra" Martinez- Quiroz; parents, Rafael and Maria de la Luz Mellado Quiroz; sister, Marilyni Quiroz; brothers, Carlos and Roberto Quiroz. Rafael is survived by his beloved wife, Beatriz Palazuelos de Quiroz; children, Patricia Quiroz (Daniel) Arriaga, Rafael (Barbara) Quiroz III, Marco (Yvette) Quiroz, Arturo (Laura) Garza, Carlos Garza; grandchildren, Daniel, Tanya, Joel Arriaga, Rafael IV, Alyssa Quiroz, Victoria, Robert, Charlize Quiroz, Arturo (Isabel), Rodrigo (Monica), Pablo, Patricio Garza, Laura (Patricio) Belden, Karla, Andrea Garza; great grandchildren, Patricio and Andres Belden; he is also survived by his siblings, Dolores Quiroz, Virginia Quiroz, George Quiroz, Mireya Quiroz-Medrano; mother, Dolores Quiroz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other loved relatives and friends. We would like to thank: Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Dr. Diego Menchaca, Dr. Benson Huang, and all their staff for all their kindness, dedication, and care given to Mr. Rafael Quiroz; as well as his caretakers, Tere, Elida, Mirtha, and especially Hortencia and Julio whom always selflessly gave him devoted attention and support. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Road from 6 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary scheduled to begin promptly at 7 p.m. Funeral procession will depart on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 59 and Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956) 722-8850.