Date of death: 1/20/2007
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1979
The Reverend Jose Antonio Valtierra “Father Tony”, age 56, of Griffith, IN.Originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he came to the U.S. in 1956 to Gary, IN. His home parish was St. Luke in Gary. He attended St. Luke Elementary School and graduated from Emerson High School in 1968. Father Tony graduated from Saint Meinrad Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1979 in the Diocese of Gary. He served at various parishes throughout the diocese. Everywhere he served, his charismatic nature encouraged active participation by his parishioners.He is survived by his parents, Jose Dolores and Josephine; sisters: Maria Valtierra, Margarita Valtierra and Josephine (Chris) Mares; brothers: Felipe (Barb), Mario (Beth), Jose Dolores, Jr., Jose Guadalupe (Teresa), David (Olga), Martin (Tami) and Miguel (Laura); numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother priests, sisters and parish members. At Father Tony’s request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Anthony Hospice, 203 Franciscan Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307 or to Blue Skies Hospice, 2714-169th Street, Hammond, IN 46324.