Francisco A. Gutierrez

Shortly after midnight on Friday, July 31, 2026, heaven opened up to greet Francisco A. Gutierrez. He was lovingly surrounded by his siblings, nephews, and nieces. Those of us who knew Frank well believe he was not greeted with harp music but with the song Stairway to Heaven.

Frank, as he was commonly known, was the firstborn of Arnoldo(†) and Graciela(†) Gutierrez. He was born on October 9, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. Soon after his arrival, the family returned to Laredo. Frank was a graduate of Nixon High School and attended Laredo Junior College. He worked at Tel-A-View and later worked as a paraprofessional at Lamar Middle School. It was while he was working at Tel-A-View that he met the love of his life, Rita Briseno(†). Frank made his life with Rita, happily pursuing shared interests like their love of music and movies, and they were always eager to help anyone in need. His heart was pure love. He would give you the shirt off his back, the last cigarette from his pack, or offer you his last cigar. His interests included watching comedies, listening to music as he cruised down the streets of Laredo, late-night movie nights, church and family gatherings, Italian food, and especially his little brother’s home cooking. Whether you gained entry into his heart through food, conversation, music, or his faith, one thing is for sure: that place you gained in his heart was there to stay.

His surviving siblings and family will lovingly remember Frank: Oscar Gerardo Gutierrez, Emma Rosalia Alfaro (Eugenio), Jose Luis Gutierrez (Aurora), Marta Diamantina Flores (James), Hector Martin Gutierrez (Ida), Carmen Erazo (Arely); nieces and nephews: Erika Escamilla and family, Kimberlee Martinez and family, Jacob Gutierrez and family, Christina Mendez and family, Emma Elizabeth Alfaro, Drs. Eugenio Alfaro and family, Dr. Jose Luis Gutierrez, Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez, Raymundo Gutierrez, Branden Gutierrez and family, Brian Gutierrez, Breanna Gutierrez and Brody Gutierrez.

An intimate family gathering will be held on Saturday morning, August 15, 2026, from 9 am to 11 am at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Rosary will commence at 9:30 am.

A Celebration Of his Life is to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association : https://Alzheimer's Association /

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences. They are much appreciated.

A special and personal thank-you to the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and staff at the Doctors Hospital ICU Unit. The professionalism, efficiency, tenderness, and most of all dignity shown to our loved one touched our hearts. Thank you to Altus Hospice Care for their assistance during this most difficult time.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-8850.