Jose (Joey) Sermino Jr.

Jose "Joey" Sermino, Jr., a man whose laughter, loyalty, and love for life touched everyone, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. Devoted husband, father, brother, veteran, and friend, he was the life of every gathering. Joey was raised in Rio Hondo, Texas, where he formed many lifelong friendships. A proud graduate of Rio Hondo High School, he earned numerous honors and led the football team as the quarterback. As Tom Landry once said, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” Joey proudly served four years in the United States Air Force, most of his time stationed in Alaska. His service reflected the same adventure and dedication that defined his life. After his military career, he found his calling in public service. Working for the State of Texas Tourism, he rose to the role of Director. His charisma and passion for connecting with people made him a natural ambassador for the Lone Star State. Outside of his professional career, Joey embraced every moment. He loved tennis, riding motorcycles, barbequing, fishing, playing with his dogs – Zoey & Dallas (Yes – Dallas!), and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, especially while texting during the game with his cousins Donny Zamora, David Zamora and Rob Monkres along with nephews Nicholas Zamora, Diego Zamora and Kainoa Monkres. This tradition brought him immense joy. He shared a special bond with his sister, Susie Sermino Staschke. They were extremely close, spoke daily, playfully bickered and vacationed together. His sharp sense of humor was unforgettable. His quick wit lit up the room! Joey was a protector in every sense of the word. Whether serving his country or standing up for his loved ones, his graceful strength was a constant. Family and friends were the cornerstone of his life. He never met a stranger. His warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome. Above all, his wife Marisa Gonzalez Sermino and the children they raised together, Zachrey Pena and Adrianna Pena, were his greatest pride and joy. He lived for them, and his legacy of love, laughter, and connection will carry on through them. Joey never missed a chance to make someone smile or lend a helping hand. His personality was magnetic, his spirit generous, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Like Coach Landry, Joey impacted many lives! Joey is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Sermino, Sr. and Hilda Salazar Sermino, whose love and guidance shaped him. He is survived by his in-laws, Robert and Gloria Gonzalez, Melissa Gonzales (Lionel), Amy Coronado (Carlos) and Robert J. Gonzalez (Kimberly) along with his aunts and uncles: Lupe “Chipper” Zamora, Sylvia Salazar Monkres, Clarie Salazar Casas, Javier Salazar, Gloria Perez, Rosie Gutierrez, and Eddie Sermino—as well as numerous other family members. Visitation will begin Friday, August 29, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home and a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 and will depart the Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery Circle of Honor with Military Honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post 205. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Zachary Pena, Robert Monkres, Donny Zamora, Kevin Staschke, Hugo Valdez and Ruben De Leon; honorary pallbearers are; Robert J. Gonzalez, David Gonzales, David Zamora, Gino Molina, Daniel Zamora, Nicholas Zamora, Diego Zamora, Adrian Sandoval, Adrian Sandoval, Eric Sandoval and Clint Staschke. Funeral services are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen.

Jose (Joey) Sermino Jr.

September 23, 1963 - August 18, 2025

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