Justino Irizarry

Justino "Willie" Irizarry was born on September 26, 1938, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, the youngest son of Reyes and Cecilia Irizarry. He lost his mother at age 8, and at 14 his older brother brought him to the United States, where local nuns and his church family helped raise him. In 1956, shortly after turning 16, Willie enlisted in the U.S. Army with his brother's permission. He later transferred into the U.S. Air Force and served as an intelligence analyst for the remainder of his military career. During his military career he was stationed at several major bases – including Lackland, Kelly, and Goodfellow in Texas – as well as overseas tours in Japan, Italy, and Vietnam.

While stationed at Lackland, Willie met and married Linda Rose Ainsworth. They made their home in Texas and were blessed with two children, Jeffrey Thomas and Cynthia Marie. Determined to further his education even as he served, Willie earned an Associate degree through the University of Maryland, a Bachelor's degree from Culver-Stockton College (Missouri), and a Master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado. After retiring from the Air Force in 1976, he went into business in San Antonio, initially providing medical billing services to physicians and later expanding into government medical-service contracting. Proud of his family and education, he often said his greatest achievements were his loved ones, his education, and his lifelong faith.

Willie was a devout Catholic whose life revolved around service to others. He served on the Parish Pastoral Council when St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church was being established, helping guide and growth of the new parish community. Willie also taught adult Bible classes (Old and New Testament), and he actively served at Mass as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and greeter. On Sundays and often on weekdays, if no priest or deacon was available, he would lead Communion services so parishioners could still receive the Eucharist.

In 1985, Willie was instrumental in helping develop the Selma ACTS retreat and in 1987 brought ACTS to SEAS with Fr. Wash as spiritual director. He participated in over 35 ACTS retreats as a team member, and inspired many others with his witness. In addition, he helped bring the ACTS-style retreat to local jail inmates, spent two years in correctional ministry, coordinating two retreats for incarcerated men and sharing Christ's love behind bars. He prayed the Rosary daily for the souls of the faithful departed; regularly visited local hospitals to pray with the sick and dying.

Willie went on a retreat to serve at The Lord's Ranch in New Mexico. A Catholic rural mission farm near El Paso founded in 1975 to feed the poor. Willie spent time there volunteering and sharing meals with the poor. From the Ranch he would cross into El Paso to work with Fr. Rick Thomas's Our Lady's Youth Center programs, where dozens of volunteers prepare and serve food to struggling families. He also joined UT Health Science Center student projects that brought medical and dental care to underserved border communities. In short, Willie was often found on the front lines of charity – working with students and parishioners to bring food, healthcare, and compassion to those in need.

Faith and family were the heartbeat of Willie's life. He and Linda renewed their wedding vows during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Specifically, at Cana in Galilee (the site of Jesus's first miracle). Willie's humor and warmth was part of his life; he loved telling stories, joking with friends, and making everyone laugh.

On Willie's free time you could find him on Fair Oaks Golf Course with his family and friends.

Justino "Willie" Irizarry passed away on March 18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia (Irizarry) Benjamin, and four grandchildren: Justin Irizarry, Joshua Irizarry, Charles Benjamin III and Tyler Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (2-7-2026) and son Jeffrey (3-14-2025). Willie will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends in the military and church communities, and all who knew him through ACTS and ministry. And also by all who cherished the twinkle in his eye and the gentle humor he shared with everyone he met.