Rene P. Cortez

Rene P. Cortez, born November 9, 1952 in Corpus Christi, Texas passed away April 12, 2005 at the age of 52.He attended Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas and earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from Corpus Christi State University in 1980. He then moved to Harlingen, Texas to pursue his passion of teaching Music. In 1980, he became Associate Band Director at Harlingen High School. Two years later, was assigned as Head Band Director at Gay-Vernon Jr. High. From 1986-1990, he became Head Band Director and Department Chairperson with the 9th and 10th grade Harlingen High School Alamo Campus. In 1990, Mr. Cortez was selected as Director of Bands and Administrator with San Benito CISD. He was responsible for the complete band program and was also in charge of the Mariachi Band. He moved to San Antonio, Texas on August 2000 to become Assistant Band Director at Irving Middle School. His professional experience included: Member of Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), Chairman and Member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Judge for UIL Solo/Ensemble competitions, Band Clinician, Professional Musician performing with bands in Corpus Christi and Rio Grande Valley, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and countless Division I Ratings on Concert and Marching Band competitions. Mr. Cortez was preceded in death by his parents, Fidencio B. and Eloisa P. Cortez; sister, Guadalupe Cortez Ayala; brother, Abelardo P. Cortez; nephews, Juan Bernardo Ayala and Ernest Cortez Jr.; and a niece, Debra Cortez.He is survived by his son, Eric S. Cortez, his best friend Cecy Hobbs; sisters, Emma and Estela Cortez; brothers, Fernando Cortez all of Corpus Christi, Texas, Hernan Cortez of Monterey, California, Ruben Cortez of Slidell, Louisiana; Gilbert Cortez of Morris Chapel, Tennessee and also by numerous relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him. He was the finest example of a humble spirit and the greatest dad anyone could have. You will always be in our hearts, prayers and thoughts.Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2005 and on Sunday, April 17, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2005 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 710 S. 19th St. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.