In Loving Memory of Joe Louis Carrillo "Grandpa Joe" October 18, 1939 – July 17, 2025

Joe Louis Carrillo, lovingly known as Grandpa Joe, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at 4:52 PM in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 85.

Born on October 18th, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas, Joe was the proud son of Santos Modesto Carrillo from Mexico City and Herminia Zapata Carrillo from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. A 1960 graduate of Burbank High School, Joe dedicated his life to hard work, family, and faith.

Joe built his career as an Arc Welder, contributing to San Antonio's skyline by welding metal ornaments on the iconic Joskie's department store downtown. His craftsmanship extended beyond professional projects—he built Bar-B-Que pits, window guards, metal fences, and even crafted a trailer with the help of family and friends during a move from Houston back to his beloved hometown San Antonio.

Joe also worked as a welding instructor and inspector, sharing his skills and passion for the trade with many others. In his free time, he enjoyed playing pool with family and friends, winning big on scratch off's, watching his favorite team the Cowboys, old western movies and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. A proud Catholic, he found joy in simple pleasures—family rides around town, favorite drinks in hand, and conversations about the family he cherished.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Santos Modesto Carrillo and Herminia Zapata Carrillo. He is survived by his Wife, Mary Carrillo; his loving children, Maria Carrillo-Lopez (Maria's husband Albert Lopez) , Rita Garza (Rita's husband James Gonzalo Garza), Yolanda C. Gonzalez (Yolanda's husband Manuel Gonzalez), Jesse Villegas, and Nieves Balleza; his grandchildren, Elena Castoreno, James E Garza, Emily C. Gonzalez, Angelina C. Gonzalez, Lailah Villegas, Johnathan Villegas, Marcie Belleza, Caroline Belleza, Violet Belleza, and Melisa Belleza; and his great-grandson, Izaiah Castoreno. He is resting in peace with his brothers, Reynaldo Carrillo, Modesto Carrillo, and Manuel Carrillo.

Grandpa Joe's wisdom and humor will always be remembered—especially his famous advice: "Rather be late than get into a car accident. So don't rush, just be late!"

Services to honor Grandpa Joe's life will be held as follows:

·       Visitation: Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at Grace Countryside Funeral Home. Open to family starting at 4:00 PM, with public visitation continuing until 8:00 PM. Rosary will be held later that evening at 6:00 PM.

·       Funeral Mass: Friday, July 25th, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. John's Berchmans Church.

·       Burial: Following the church service Friday July 25th, 2025 , Joe will be laid to rest at San Fernando Cemetery III.

Joe's legacy of craftsmanship, love, and family devotion will live on in all who knew him.