Willie Tenorio, Sr., 85, a life-long resident of Kyle, passed away May 24, 2013. Willie was married to his wife, Adelfa Tenorio, for 46 years. He was a loving husband, wonderful father and a caring grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
At the age of 13, Willie began working in local grocery stores. In 1951, at the age of 23, he opened Tenorio’s Station Grocery and Ice with his father, Roberto. Later, his business property, Tenorio’s Village, included his grocery store, a barber shop and dance hall.
Shortly after retiring from his retail businesses in 1979, Willie went to work at the Marbridge Foundation as a driver and houseparent for 16 years. He was well liked and respected by the residents of Marbridge who called him Uncle Willie. On his days off, he would often bring a resident over to his house to share a meal and time with his own family.
Upon retiring, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch visiting with family and friends. Willie loved to spend time with his grandsons Will, Josh, and Ben and grand-daughter Natalia.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Roberto and Cayetana Tenorio, and his siblings Roberto Tenorio Jr, Jesusita Tenorio, Mike Tenorio, Sam Tenorio, Sr. and Susie Fuentes. He is survived by his wife, Adelfa and his brother, Blas Tenorio of Kyle, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a devoted father to his sons and daughters-in-laws: Willie Tenorio, Jr. and Daphne of Kyle, Mario Tenorio and Heidi of Austin, and Robert Tenorio and Karolyn of Kyle.
Public visitation was held on Tuesday, May 28 at Harrell Funeral Home (Kyle) followed with a rosary at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Kyle in the evening. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, May 29, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with internment following at St. Vicente Cemetery (Kyle) on Old Stagecoach Road.
