Adrian Ruben Correa

Harlingen - Adrian Ruben Correa, of Harlingen, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 66.

Adrian was born to Rumaldo T. (Mayo) Correa and Maria del Refugio (Nena) Garcia Correa November 30, 1956, in Mercedes. He grew up in Weslaco and graduated, with honors, from Weslaco High School in 1974. He graduated from Texas A&M University in December 1978, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture. Thereafter, he worked for a large nursery company in the Bryan/College Station area for a time before entering the seminary to study for the Roman Catholic priesthood.

Upon completion of his studies, Adrian was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brownsville in 1984, serving in pastoral positions at various parishes over the next 12 years. He was a very gifted preacher and was very much loved by his parishioners.

He then embarked on what became an illustrious 26-year career in public education, at various times employed by the Weslaco Independent School District, the San Benito Independent School District, the South Texas Independent School District, and IDEA Public Schools. Early in his career he received the prestigious HEB Excellence in Education Award and later earned recognition as a Region 1 Teacher of the Year and IDEA Public Schools Level 5 Master Teacher. Several years ago, he completed a rather rigorous curriculum to earn a Master of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Brownsville.

Over the years, Adrian gained the respect of many colleagues and, more importantly, the love and admiration of the many students he instructed and mentored. Nothing made Adrian happier than seeing his students succeed. He was hoping to devote one or two more years to his students before finally retiring and engaging in more travel, one of his favorite vacation pastimes, and continuing to follow his beloved Houston Astros.

Adrian is preceded in death by his father and mother and is survived by his brother Rene (Velda) of Weslaco, niece Cristina and great-nephew Jaxin of McKinney, niece Melissa of Houston, niece Mary Ann of Spring, many cousins on both sides of his extended family and many friends.

A public visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., with prayer of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 16, at Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 E Harrison Ave., Harlingen. Celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, July 17, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1015 E. Van Buren Ave. Harlingen. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, 6705 FM 88, Weslaco.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests online donations to Habitat for Humanity, one of Adrian's favorite charities.