Hilario Fonseca

Hilario Fonseca, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by the love of his family at home, with the youngest of his children, Carina, by his side and his faithful puppy, Honey, resting next to him. He was born to Maximina Fonseca and Francisco Fonseca on September 11, 1940 in Runge, Texas.

Hilario was a man who loved life and enjoyed the company of those around him. He was always ready for a good time and never passed up an opportunity to watch his favorite sports, especially football, boxing and NASCAR. One of his favorite television shows was Gunsmoke, which he enjoyed watching whenever he could. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maximina Fonseca and Francisco Fonseca; his sister, Francisca Rios; his brothers, Alfredo Fonseca, Elisandro Fonseca and Nasario Fonseca; and his daughter, Rachael Fonseca.

Hilario leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ida P. Fonseca; his sons, Hilario (Rachael) Fonseca Jr., Francisco (Norma) Fonseca, Daniel (Lori) Fonseca and Andrew Salinas; his daughters, Sylvia Fonseca, Denise (Rodney) Brassfield, Priscilla Salinas and Carina Fonseca; and his sisters, Alicia Camacho, Consuela Ochoa, Juanita Garcia and Anita Ramirez. He was a proud grandfather to 18 grandchildren and a loving great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, along with many friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor and presence.

Viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Rhodes Funeral Chapel in Runge, Texas. A rosary will be recited there at 7 p.m. that evening.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Runge Latin Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jason Rene Fonseca, Hilario Fonseca III, Nicholas Fonseca, Rodney Brassfield Sr., Charlie Gonzalez, Paul Vasquez and Lance Conway.