Nearly five hundred mourners and well-wishers crowded the Bascilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, Monday, July 31st, to pay respects to their friend Col. J. George Cisneros (Ret.) who passed away July 28th at the age of 89.
The rosary lasted over an hour as friends, relatives, elected officials and parishioners paid their respects to the life of George Cisneros.His son George spoke eloquently about his experiences with his father growing up and his father's last days.
Cisneros, father of former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros was born on February 13, 1917 in Roy, New Mexico.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elvira, his children Henry and his wife Mary Alice, Pauline Cisneros Pollette, George and his wife Catherine, Tim and his wife Karla, and Tina Corser and her husband Tom, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Henry said earlier of his father, "He took all the pain and debilitation with the same measure of good spirit that characterized his whole life. People say you die as you live and his death was a lesson in a good life."
The retired Colonel served in the U.S. Army for 39 years which included service in World War II and on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
He earned various service medals. President Ronald Reagan welcomed him to the White House in recognition for his work as the Easter Seals National Representative; the RSVP honored him with the Volunteer of the Year in 1994.
The San Antonio Housing Authority recognized him for his distinguished civic and national service by naming a housing development for senior citizens in his name; and Crockett Elementary School awarded him the Trailblazer Award in 2004.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 9 a.m., Tuesday, August 1st at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Interment followed in San Fernando Cemetery II.
Editor's note: As an Army Reservist with the 90th ARCOM in the mid seventies, I had the privilege and honor to serve under Col. Cisneros, the civilian adjutnant at the time. I also interviewed him for Father's Day in 1982 while a reporter for KENS-5. May he rest in peace.
Steve Walker
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