Ignacio Ramon Alaniz

Ignacio Ramon Alaniz

August 31, 1940 – June 04, 2022

Ignacio Ramon Alaniz, age 81, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ignacio B. Alaniz and Aurora Iris Schunior Alaniz, in-laws Juan Jose Urteaga and Rosina Cortez Urteaga and brother’s in-law Blas Maria Martinez and Daniel Meza.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years Maria Del Carmen “Carmela” Alaniz, children; Ignacio Ramon (Lisa) Jr., Isidro Reimundo (Elia), Juan Jose (Mindy) and Carlos Manuel Alaniz.  Grandchildren; Ignacio Ramon, III, Aurora Iris Del Carmen, Bella Lisa Magdalena, Isidro Reimundo, Jr., Ivan Raul, Victoria Amparo, Amelie Marla, Alyna Diana, and Arely Carmen Alaniz. Great-grandchild; Isidro Reimundo Alaniz, III.  He is survived by his sister Elva Alaniz De Leon (Alfonso) and extended family and friends.

Committed to his family, faith, and country he was known as Sonny by his childhood friends and Nachi or Nacho by his adolescent and older friends.  Reared by his widower father, Ignacio B. Alaniz, he learned the basic skills of survival:  stay in school, serve your country, work hard for a living, and love and protect your family.  He lived by the motto “charity begins at home,” in essence, his time, talent, and treasure were expended with his loving wife of 58 years and his four sons Ignacio, Jr., Isidro Reimundo, Juan Jose, and Carlos Manuel.  He asked his wife Carmela to help him nurture and guide their sons with the simple life lesson of “studying hard and playing rough and clean.”  The lessons learned from this motto were meant to prepare his wife and sons for life’s adversities.  

Ignacio attended Saint Peter’s Catholic Elementary School and was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s Academy in Laredo, Texas in May 1958.  He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas in January 1962.  He majored in International Relations concentrating in economics, finance, management, and government.  Upon completing his education, he married the love of his life Carmela, who he would affectionately call “Cita” whom he loved dearly and was a blessing in his life.  Her stalwart and blessed demeanor allowed him to concentrate on his military service, as she spent 18 months by his side.  Fulfilling his 2-year military obligation serving the U.S. Army and being Honorably Discharged, he returned to Laredo in 1964 and was employed as a salesman for Yeary’s Auto Store from June 1964 through September 1965.  In October 1965 he directed the Manpower Training Program as Field Coordinator for the Webb County Neighborhood Youth Program.  During the initial stages of his employment, he assisted in setting up host agencies to provide on-the-job training to high-school dropouts.  In July 1968 he was appointed as Executive Director by the Webb County Commissioners Court and Judge Roberto M. Benavides.  This program was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor with Webb County Commissioners Court and 16 other counties co-sponsoring the program.  This program was designed to provide work experience and upgrade the educational skills of non-traditional students in helping them earn their General Educational Development (GED) Diploma while providing them with federal stipends for their participation.  The training was conducted by non-profit organizations as well as the private sector.  He was responsible for directing the program operations in 17 counties with a support staff of 25 employees.  During his tenure over 5,000 enrollees, ages 16 thru 21, participated in the program.  Examples of the projects under his directorship included constructing horse stalls and a racetrack, a covered arena for horse and livestock, planting trees and upgrading picnic areas at Lake Casa Blanca, among other improvements throughout the community.  Concurrent with the directorship of the program, he also performed as the Executive Director of the Webb County Operation Mainstream Program which was also a federally financed manpower training program specifically designed for adults.  He served in this capacity from September 1969 through June 1970.  Under his direction 200 enrollees from a five-county area were trained.  All phases of the training operation came under his direct supervision with the help of highly trained staff.    

On March 1973 ready for a job change, he was hired as a U.S. Probation and Parole Officer having been appointed by the late Honorable Ben C. Connally, Chief Judge for the Southern District of Texas.  During his employment, he supervised defendants consistent with rules, conditions and goals set by the U.S. Courts and U.S. Parole Commission.  In this capacity he authored investigative reports for use by the U.S. Courts, Parole Commission, and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.  He also prepared Pre and Post Summary Reports assisting the Courts in setting bond release conditions.  Using his investigative experience, he evaluated the most significant elements in the defendant’s background to assure reappearance and assess dangerousness.  Every case assigned to him was handled with the view in mind of protecting his community and rehabilitating the offender.    

On March 1987, he was appointed as a U.S. Pretrial Services Officer for the Southern District of Texas - Laredo Division, conducting investigations of defendants charged with federal offenses as well as ensuring their compliance with release conditions.  On October 1987, he was promoted to Supervising U.S. Pretrial Services Officer which he upheld from September 1991 through his retirement.         

Upon his retirement in August 1997, he spent the rest of his life participating in family events and traveling the world with his wife “Cita.”  Words cannot fully express how much he inspired those he worked with and others he would meet.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  He will be dearly remembered, sorely missed, and forever loved.  

A private family rosary will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2022.  Holy Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning, June 13, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal and Interment will be followed by full military honors at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Everyone attending is encouraged to meet at church.  

Pallbearers will be:  Ignacio Ramon, Jr., Isidro Reimundo, Juan Jose, Carlos Manuel, Ignacio Ramon, III, Isidro Reimundo, Jr., and Ivan Raul Alaniz.  Honorary Pallbearer will be:  Isidro Reimundo Alaniz, III.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Carlos G. Cigarroa, who in addition to being the family’s physician is also a special family friend.  

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 Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.