In Loving Memory of Guadalupe Abete Jr.
March 26, 1954 – September 23, 2026
Guadalupe Abete Jr., 72, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to him.
Guadalupe was born on March 26, 1954, in Brownsville, Texas, to Guadalupe Abete Sr. and Felipa Rodriguez. Throughout his life, family remained at the center of everything he did.
For 36 years, Guadalupe shared a beautiful life with his loving wife, Norma Abete. Norma was his everything—his wife, his companion, his caregiver, his greatest support, and the person who faithfully stood beside him through every chapter of their life together. Their marriage was built on love, devotion, strength, and a commitment to one another that remained steadfast through the years. Together, they created a family that Guadalupe loved more than anything.
Guadalupe was an incredibly proud and loving father to his three children: Ashlee Abete and her spouse, Rudy Melchor; Ian Abete and his spouse, Dalia Abete; and Victor Martinez and his spouse, Krystal Martinez.
One of his greatest joys was being a grandfather. He loved his six grandchildren, Ezekiel Vasquez, Vincent Martinez, Victoria Martinez, Roman Martinez, Mia Abete, and Gael Abete, tremendously. Being a husband, father, and grandfather were among the greatest roles of his life, and the love, lessons, and memories he gave his family will remain with them forever.
Guadalupe also shared his life with his eight siblings: Judy Barrios, Carlos Rodriguez III, Gerardo I. Rodriguez, Danny Abete, Albert Abete, Gracie Gorospe, Nelly Wright, and Adriana Griffith.
Outside of his family, Guadalupe devoted much of his life to helping and inspiring others. For 35 years, he dedicated his career to Cummings Middle School, where he served as an art teacher and coach. To generations of students and athletes, he became known simply and affectionately as Coach Abete.
His impact reached far beyond the classroom, gym, and playing field. He believed in his students and athletes, encouraged them, pushed them to become better, and cared about the people they became. Decades later, former students and athletes continued to remember Coach Abete and the difference he made in their lives. The influence he had on so many young people became an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Helping others came naturally to Guadalupe. He was hardworking, caring, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He gave so much of himself throughout his life and was tremendously loved by his family, friends, students, athletes, and community in return.
Guadalupe was also a talented artist with a lifelong love of art. He enjoyed fishing, umpiring, and, of course, cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys. These were things that brought him happiness, but nothing could compare to the joy he found in being surrounded by the people he loved.
He was preceded in death by his father, Guadalupe Abete Sr., and his stepmother, Teresa Abete.
Guadalupe was truly an amazing man. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a brother, an educator, a coach, an artist, a mentor, and a friend. He worked hard, helped others, loved his family deeply, and left this world having made a difference in more lives than he may ever have realized.
His family will miss his presence more than words can express, but the love he gave them does not end with his passing. It will continue through his children and grandchildren, through the family he built with Norma, and through the countless students and athletes who will forever remember Coach Abete.
His presence can never be replaced. His impact will never be forgotten. His love will remain with his family forever.
Forever Norma’s loving husband.
Forever Dad.
Forever Grandpa.
Forever Coach Abete.
A Special Thank You
The Abete family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for Guadalupe throughout his journey. Their compassion, dedication, patience, and support meant more to Guadalupe and his family than words can fully express.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Sivam and staff, Dr. Dharshan, Dr. Fadi, Esteban Perez, NP, Dr. Karkoutly. We would also like to thank Krystal Martinez, RN, Rudy Garcia, LVN, Edgar Reyna, PTA, Eva Vasquez, HHA, and Mehrzad Setayesh, PT, of Sincerity Health.
Each of you played an important part in Guadalupe’s care. You helped him through some of the most difficult moments of his life while also providing comfort, guidance, and support to the family who loved him so deeply.
Thank you for caring for our husband, our dad, and our grandpa with such compassion. Our family will forever be grateful for everything you did for him.
Services
Funeral services have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory and Flower Shop, 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas 78526. Phone: (956) 350-8485.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Guadalupe Abete Jr. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Sunday, September 27th, 2026
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
Visitation:
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Spiritual Service:
6:00 p.m.
Services conclude at the end of the evening.
To send flowers or a plant to the family in memory of Mr. Guadalupe Abete Jr., please visit shalomflorals.com or call (956) 572-3872.
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