Jose Quiros Jr.

April 8, 1957 - March 16, 2017

A man rooted in his faith and family, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, M. Quirós met his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 16, 2017, just weeks before his 60th birthday.

Born April 8, 1957 and raised in David, Panama, Jose was the son of Hercilia Ortega de Quirós and Jose Manuel Quirós Obaldia. His mother worked for the Panamanian Department of Justice while his father had a career in business administration.

The only son of his parents, Jose was a brother to two sisters, Evelia Quirós de Diez and Rosario Quirós de Chávez (both residing in Panama City), who now survive him. As a boy, Jose worked with his uncle on various farming projects including growing rice and meat production.

Always ambitious, he excelled in speech and debate and exhibited an interest in politics while still a young man. After graduating from Catholic school in Panama in the late 1970s, Jose came to the United States, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University (Class of '81); he was a parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church and enjoyed participating in the International Mass there.

After settling here in the Brazos Valley permanently, Jose was employed by CRG and then College Station Independent School District as a Construction Inspector. He earned a reputation for being honest and hardworking. Additionally, he participated in the construction of many different sites in Bryan/College Station, including Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, A&M Consolidated HS Football Stadium, and other Bryan and College Station Independent School District buildings. He was previously involved with Habitat for Humanity in planning, constructing and managing various community projects in the area.

Jose loved all things Aggie: his hard-earned ring, tailgating, traditions, Bonfire, The Association of Former Students, Fightin' Texas Aggie Football, and all things maroon.

Jose never forgot his homeland, and on a return trip to Panama, he became reacquainted with Elena Maria German (Quirós), whom he had known when they were both children. She and Jose were married and enjoyed a 22-year marriage. They share six children: Maria del Pilar Quirós Mendez (husband Daniel), Jose Manuel Quirós III (wife Carolina), Luis Alberto Quirós , Maria Paz Quirós , Jose Antonio Quirós and Jose Emanuel Quirós.

As a father and husband, Jose enjoyed sharing his faith, his adopted Aggie traditions and time with his family. Going on road trips together, such as their annual trips to the Houston Rodeo and Galveston, were among his favorite things to do. At home, he loved grilling and cooking delicious meals for his family. He enjoyed a serious game of dominoes, collected tools, loved antique cars, and took pride in being handy around the house. But Jose was happiest when spending time with his grandsons; Danny, Batini, and Santi. The sounds of them playing together were the best; car and train noises, talk of construction vehicles, and bouncing balls.

One could always count on Jose for advice and life lessons on honesty, humility, and kindness. Indeed, he was loved for the way he showed love to others, and he will be dearly missed.

Remembering Jose warmly now is his beloved wife, Elena, as well as their six children and three grandsons. Jose's parents and sisters also mourn his loss, as does his church family at St. Mary's and his extended family and friends, both in Aggieland and in Panama.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 2:30 pm. Visitation is on Sunday, March 19 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home.

Please join us as we celebrate him there together. His favorite thing to say was: "Be humble like the sun that rises everday, shines, is felt by all, but does so quietly." "Se sencillo como el sol que sale todos los dias, brilla, lo sientes, pero esta callado." Please visit Jose's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories.