Antonio C. Vela

Antonio C. Vela passed into the loving arms of our Lord on November 16^th surrounded by his family. We are grateful for his 101 years of love, wisdom, and strength. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren hope to follow his example, of what it means to be an honorable individual, for the rest of their lives.

He was born in Yorktown, Texas in 1920 to the family of a sharecropper. Throughout his life, he worked in the fields, was a civilian fireman for the Air Force during WWII, but above all, he loved being a grocery man. He started with a fruit stand and rose to own and operate Tony’s Supermarkets in Laredo as well as other business endeavors for over 50 years. Those who have had the privilege of knowing him will agree that he was a leader in his community, committed to his church, family, and his business. He was never beyond helping people lift themselves toward a better life. He touched countless lives while prioritizing the well-being of his family and community.

He worked tirelessly to ensure that his family was provided for, educated, and loved. His family will carry with them his wisdom, compassion, and his great sense of humor. Above all, Antonio C. Vela was a gentleman and the example of a very fine man.

Mr. Vela was preceded in death by his wife Cipriana A. Vela and daughter Margarita Vela Rosenthal. 

He is survived by his son, Antonio (Zita) Vela Jr., and daughter, Irene Vela Cadena (F. Javier); his grandchildren, Marissa E. (James) Pierce, Terry Stylze, Marco Antonio (Juanita) Vela, Jennifer (Jason) Robinson, Antonio “Tony” (Veronica) Vela III, Albert (Jeannie) Vela, and Yulia Vela Cadena; great-grandchildren, Isolde Pierce, Joaquin Pierce, Marcus Stylze, Marco Antonio Vela, Jr., Lauren Vela, Ty Robinson, Cade Robinson, Tony Vela IV, Savannah Vela, Julianna Vela, Jude Vela, and Trinity Vela. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home Chapel to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m.

Interment will follow to the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

For everyone’s safety, please continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing. You may express your condolences to the family on our website at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.