Alberto Reyna Obituary

Alberto Jose "AJ" Reyna
01/26/1972 - 09/13/2025
Alberto Jose "AJ" Reyna, a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend, entered the Lord's presence on September 13, 2025, leaving behind 53 years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Alberto, affectionately known as AJ by those who loved him, was born on January 26, 1972, to Amador C. Reyna and Celia H. Reyna. A proud Mustang, he graduated from J.W. Nixon High School in 1990 and, just a month later, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, beginning 12 years of dedicated service. After completing the BOOST program in August 1991, he reported to the NROTC Unit at Prairie View A&M University, where he served as a Midshipman.
A devout Catholic, AJ's unwavering faith began with his service as an altar server and continued to guide every step of his life. That same faith brought him one of his greatest blessings-the love of his life, whom he first met through Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. On April 22, 1995, he was blessed to marry Angelica D. Reyna, beginning a partnership rooted in love, devotion, and shared faith. Just a month later, he celebrated another milestone as he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After 12 years of active service, he was medically retired as a Lieutenant in February 2006, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to his country.
AJ was deeply committed to his community, but above all, to his Catholic faith. While a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ingleside, Texas, he became an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he attained the rank of Fourth Degree Knight and faithfully served as Grand Knight-Council 11570. He also gave of himself as a volunteer firefighter in Ingleside, embodying his spirit of service to both Church and community. His life was a witness to his faith-marked by strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to God.
Later, as a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Houston, AJ found great joy in continuing his service to the Lord through many ministries. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, A.C.T.S. retreats, Adoration hours, and prayer groups, always cherishing the fellowship he shared with his brothers and sisters in Christ. He supported countless parish events, from BBQ fundraisers to casino nights and KoC-sponsored activities. Through his service on numerous A.C.T.S. retreats, AJ shared his love for Christ, offering encouragement, hope, and guidance to others. His faith touched many lives and left a lasting imprint on all who were blessed to know him.
AJ was a proud and patriotic man whose love for his country shone through in every aspect of his life. He was known for his loyalty, generosity, and kind spirit, often described as the type of person who would give the shirt off his back without a second thought. Adventurous by nature, he loved traveling to new places and experiencing different cuisines. He also enjoyed action movies-especially those with military themes-which reflected both his adventurous heart and his deep admiration for courage and service. AJ's passion for cooking became another way he expressed that same adventurous spirit and love for others. He delighted in experimenting with recipes, refining his techniques, and preparing meals with meticulous care, each one a "masterpiece" crafted to share with family and friends.
A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, AJ was an armchair referee and honorary coach, never holding back his spirited commentary as if Jerry Jones himself had hired him. From his living room, he cheered, coached, and critiqued with passion-always loud, proud, and completely invested in the game. Yet beyond football, AJ's greatest joy was found in the time he shared with those he loved. He cherished the fellowship of family, friends, and his church community, drawing strength and purpose from those relationships. His life was a testament to love, generosity, faith, and service-a legacy that will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Josepha C. Reyna and Octaviano Reyna Jauregui and maternal grandparents Celia J.G. Hilario and Ramon Hilario, Sr., USA Veteran.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 30 years, Angelica D. Reyna; mother, Celia H. Reyna; father, Amador C. (Dolores) Reyna; sister, Annette C. Peña; and brother, Amador Reyna, Jr., USN Retired. He also leaves behind nieces Karina (Luis) Medina, Celissa (Tristan Myers) Peña and Emily Martinez; nephews Aiden Garza and Robert Martinez; great- nephew, Luke Medina; sisters-in-law Alejandra Cardenas and Gladys (Manuel) Garza; along with loving aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and many friends.
Active Pallbearers will be: AGCS Amador Reyna, Jr., USN, Retired, Luis Medina, Jesus Mancha, Richard Tirado, USN, Retired, Octaviano Reyna, Artemio Reyna, Jr., Robert Martinez and Aiden Garza.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ramon Hilario, Jr., USAF Veteran, Manuel Garza, Tristan Myers, USA Veteran, Daniel Castillo, John Rubio, USA Veteran, David Almendarez, Gerardo Reyna, Jr., USAF, Retired, Omar Reyna, Aubin Menchaca, Raul Reyna, Jr., Robert Tyo, USN, Retired, and Arnoldo Martinez.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fred Dickey Funeral Home, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas, 78041. A vigil service and Rosary will be officiated by Reverend Deacon Juan Zamarripa at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, TX, 77065. A vigil of the deceased and Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Reverend Richard Hall, O.M.I., will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd., Houston, TX. 77084, Monday, September 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Rite of committal and interment will follow at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX, 77038.