With deep love and sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, José Gerardo, who departed this world on Sept. 8, 2026, at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.
José was born in El Granjenal, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on May 12, 1943. He was the son of Gregoria Zárate and Álvaro Gerardo and the eldest of the family. From a very young age, he had an adventurous heart and a strong desire to build a better life. In 1965, he immigrated to the United States with dreams in his heart and the hope of building a better future for his family.
In time, he returned to Mexico, where he married his beloved wife, Amelia Gerardo, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful family of six children: Jesús Gerardo, Silvia Palomo, José Luis Gerardo, Yrma López, María Herrera, and Álvaro Gerardo. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Dulce Rojas and her husband Carlos; Eduardo Gerardo and his wife Jessica; Cynthia Gerardo; Clarissa Lopez and her husband Saul; Oscar Gerardo; Gerardo Palomo and his wife Elida; Eric Palomo; Emily Palomo; Jessenia Gerardo; Luis Gerardo; Patricia Gerardo; Elizabeth Gerardo; Jose Lopez and his wife Jaqueline; Carlos Lopez and his wife Abby; Giselle Romo and her husband Michael; Omar Herrera and his wife Monika; Ricardo Herrera and his wife Yaritza; Sergio Herrera; Sophia Herrera; Diana Herrera; Alex Gerardo; Jackie Gerardo; Eric Gerardo; and Noel Gerardo. His great-grandchildren, Ivan Rojas, Diego Rojas, Andrea Rojas, Elaine Gerardo, Evalyn Gerardo, Ellison Gerardo, Mateo Herrera, Olivia Herrera, and Melonie Herrera, will carry on his legacy. He is also survived by his siblings: Julio Gerardo and his wife Marta; Pascual Gerardo and his wife Juana; Guillerma Mares; Baldomera Perales; Antonia Mata and her husband Rafael; Macaria Villanueva and her husband Benito; Elvira Garcia and her husband Felipe; and Angelica Gerardo.
José was a man who never met a stranger. To him, every person he met became a friend. He enjoyed getting to know others, listening to their stories, and sharing words of encouragement and wisdom. His contagious smile and laughter could fill any place with joy.
He loved music and, above all, he loved to dance. He cherished every moment spent with his family and was deeply proud of each of his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. He celebrated with joy every milestone, accomplishment, and success of the Gerardo family. His family was one of the greatest sources of pride in his life.
In February 2026, José gave his life to the Lord. That decision left a profound impact on his family and brings comfort to our hearts today. Although his passing leaves a void that can never be replaced, we have peace knowing that when he closed his eyes here on earth, he awoke in eternity in the presence of his Lord and Savior. There, he was welcomed by his parents, Gregoria and Álvaro; his younger brother, Luciano Gerardo; and his grandson, Michael Gerardo, who preceded him in death.
His legacy will continue to live on in each of his children, grandchildren, family members, and friends. He will live on in the stories we share, the laughter, the words of wisdom, the music, and every cherished memory he left in our hearts.
Dad, thank you for teaching us to dream, to work toward a better future, to love our family, and to never stop smiling. We will love you forever.
Funeral Services
Neal Funeral Home
Cleveland, Texas
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.
Following the Sunday service, burial will take place at Liberty Catholic Cemetery in Liberty, Texas.
Until we meet again.
Rest in the arms of the Lord.
Your Gerardo family will always carry you in their hearts.
All arrangements to be handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home