Funeral services announced for late McAllen Asst. City Manager Joe Vera

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Funeral services have been scheduled for the late Assistant City Manager for the City of McAllen, Joe Vera.

Vera died on Wednesday morning at 69 years old.

The services will begin with a public viewing at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 21, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.

Church services will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 208 E. Camelia Avenue in Hidalgo.

The funeral will follow to Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, located at 4607 N. Sugar Road in Pharr.

"Our entire community mourns the loss of our visionary leader, wise mentor, and dear friend, Joe Vera, we remain steadfast in our commitment to make Mr. Vera proud by continuing to work closely with each of our partners to keep his legacy alive," The McAllen Parks and Recreation Department said in a statement.

During his 11 years working with the City of McAllen, Vera oversaw several departments and played a key role in coordinating and producing the McAllen Holiday Parade.

“Joe believed that the Valley had infinite potential,” said Isaac Tawil, McAllen City Manager. “He knew that the way the pathway to that, to that expansive explosive growth was through education, culture and a real support for children.”

Vera was also involved in community services, by contributing to community organizations including United Way, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lions Club, Boy Scouts and 4-H.