Tributes

Gerald Briseno, 66, born in San Antonio TX, passed away on December 14th in the hospital in the presence of his brother Juan Briseno Jr. Although his passing was unexpected, he struggled most of his life after a car accident at 16 which left him quadriplegic with a brain injury. He was the beloved son of Juan and Bertha Briseno, who crusaded tirelessly for his lifetime of disability benefits and rehabilitation programs. In his later years, he lived almost two decades in New Braunfels and McKinney with his brother Juan Briseno Jr. and his sister-in-law Bertha Briseno, who remodeled their home to fit his needs. They transported him to so many weddings, birthdays, and family gatherings in his customized van so he would never be isolated from his large family who loved him dearly. They also provided computers and TVs for his entertainment, coordinated therapy and appointments for his health, and included him in their social activities to show their love. The family will always remember the loving care they gave to their brother. Moreover, Gerald was loved and affectionately called “Ger Bear” by his many siblings: Irene and Bob Kerestes, Roberta and Roy Sims, Dina and Lee Kolonko, Gloria Briseno and Steve, Viola and Phil Sowards, and his nieces and nephews. Gerald always had a smile on his face, and a hearty laugh, especially for the ladies whom he liked to flirt with. He became an Honorary Sailor by the Navy at 18, then graduated from Eloise Japhet in 1978, and won an “Achiever of the Year” award in 2007. Scoring high like his Mom in Bejeweled, winning money from his family in Left/Right/Center, and playing Poker in the garage with his brother and sister-in-law were some of his favorite activities. He loved watching old school shows like Gilligan's Island, the Jeffersons, and cheering for his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys. When in San Antonio he enjoyed spending time with his siblings eating at his favorite place, Patty’s Taco House, drinking shakes, and going to watch movies with them. We all miss you Ger Bear and know you’re with Mom, Dad, and God who’s renewing you with the wings of an angel to fly, walk, run, and sing. No more wheelchair! In one of his last conversations with his sister, Dina, he said “I love all of you. Don’t worry about me”. We will all meet again. After the Committal Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, the family would like to invite everyone for food and fellowship at 2:00 p.m. at Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine, 5800 Broadway #300, San Antonio, TX 7820.

Tributes

Gerald Briseno

April 1, 1958 - December 14, 2024