It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Bernal, a respected Democratic politician and a cherished member of our community.. Joe’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and advocacy for the people he represented. He was born and raised in San Antonio on March 1, 1927. Though he grew up in poverty, he described his family as being “rich in spirit.” A graduate of Lanier High School, he became a strong advocate for bilingual education during a time when it was widely discouraged. Bernal served in the state House and Senate from 1964 to 1972, where he fought for the state’s first bilingual education law and the end of de jure segregation in Texas, as well as the creation of the University of Texas at San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center.
After serving in the Pacific during World War II, Bernal pursued higher education at Trinity University. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and later obtained a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Joe developed a passion for politics and community engagement early on. His journey into public service was driven by a desire to create positive change and uplift those in need. Throughout his career, he served with integrity, championing causes that mattered to his constituents and making a significant impact on local and state levels.
As a Democratic politician, Joe was known for his dedication to social justice, education, and healthcare. He worked tirelessly to ensure that all voices were heard and represented, advocating for policies that promoted equity and opportunity for everyone. His leadership and vision inspired many, and he was a beacon of hope for those who sought to improve their lives and communities. Joe’s ability to forge connections across party lines and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders set him apart as a true statesman. He believed in the power of collaboration and was always willing to lend an ear, fostering an environment of respect and understanding in the political arena.
Beyond his political career, Joe was a devoted family man. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. Joe often spoke about the importance of community and family values, and he worked to ensure that future generations would have the opportunities they deserved.
As we mourn the loss of Joe Bernal, we also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His dedication to public service and his compassionate spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. A memorial service to honor Joe’s life and contributions will be held on [insert date and location], where friends, family, and colleagues are invited to come together to share their memories and pay tribute to a remarkable man.
In this time of sorrow, may we find solace in the impact Joe had on our lives and our community. His commitment to justice, equality, and service will forever remain in our hearts.
SERVICES
WEDNESDAY, Feb 19:
– Rosary at The Angelus, 6:00pm, public viewing starting 5:00pm.
THURSDAY, Feb 20:
– Funeral Mass at San Fernando Cathedral, 9:30am.
– Burial at Ft Sam National
Cemetery, 11:30am.
We have a local hero in the name of Joe Bernal that peaceful look and modest smile contained a tiger and a lion inside ferocious when it came to fighting for the Raza that he loved modest and well mannered to a fault if you but peeked inside his vault there was a raging knight ready for battle on his steed he moved with lightning speed el West Side and San Anto PhD Chicano hasta las cachas defending you and me early Chicano Pioneer pre-dating Chicano movements strong he was more than a Johnny-come along he attended Lanier High and served in the Pacific Air Command became a fighting sergeant at 19 trailblazer Joe, earned a BA at Trinity a master at Our Lady of the Lake a PhD at UT Austin, super trained he turned to politics, state rep, and then he was a senator for Texas, the people knew he was a hero born tested by challenges of inequality discrimination all around he never faltered never fell he tolled our freedom bell he was a champion of bilingual ed he was a champion of our civil rights commissioner of education his bills were felt throughout the nation principal of Middle schools he wrestled tunnel-vision fools let all Chiano masts of all Aztlan at half mast let it be, the eagle of our kind, the jaguar warriors and the eagle braves are waiting to do honor to Bernal Mictlan is filled with glory as they greet Chicano Joe Bernal — and celebrate his feats !
