SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Paul Elizondo has died at the age of 83.

  • Served the county for more than 30 years
  • Passed away at home
  • Funeral details to be announced

Elizondo’s family says he passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday. The San Antonio native had just celebrated Christmas with his family.

Elizondo will lay in state at San Fernando Cathedral beginning at 1p.m. on Wednesday, January 2.

The family will recieve friends that evening, followed by a Rosary.

A mass will be held at the Catherdral Thursday, after which he will be laid to rest in the San fernando Cemetery. 

Elizondo served Bexar County for more than 30 years. First elected as a county commissioner in 1982, he has served under five county judges, and helped spearhead numerous projects across the county.

READ MORE | Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo Honored for Decades of Service

In previous interviews, Elizondo told us he was most proud of the advancements in the hospital district, restoration of the San Antonio River, and the new performing arts centers.

Elizondo also served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1979 he joined the Texas Legislature serving as a state representative.

Elizondo was also music teacher and band director for 18 years.

Reactions:

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff had this to say about Elizondo's passing:

  • "Paul was my dearest friend. Over 17 years, we forged a strong partnership on the commissioners court. His life’s work will leave a lasting impact on our community. I will miss him terribly."

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said this in regards to Elizondo's passing:

  • "For over a generation, Paul Elizondo was an icon of the West Side and a force in Bexar County government and politics. His influence will be felt for decades to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Sheriff Javier Salazar released the following statement:

  • "Bexar County suffered a great loss with the death of Commissioner Paul Elizondo. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He spent his life as a U.S. Marine, an educator, and an elected official at several levels. Rest In Peace, Marine. You’ve completed your mission honorably."

City Councilman Robert C. Treviño released this statement:

  • “My deepest condolences go out to the Elizondo family during this time. San Antonio has lost a deeply caring and thoughtful individual in County Commissioner Paul Elizondo. I am grateful to Commissioner Elizondo for his help on many issues; his extensive military and public service record; but above all, I am grateful for his friendship. Commissioner Elizondo’s legacy will live on, and continue to have a positive impact on the residents of San Antonio for generations to come.”

Senator José Menéndez released the following statement:

  • "Commissioner Paul Elizondo spent more years in public service than most of us have been alive. It is impossible to look anywhere in Bexar County and not see the great impact left by his labor. I cannot imagine the sorrow that his wife Irene and the rest of his family must feel. His loss will be felt by many people in this community and on the Commissioner's Court for years to come. Our thoughts are with the family, and we pray that they may feel peace and comfort, during this time. Paul touched tens of thousands of lives as an Entertainer, teacher, veteran, mental health advocate and public servant. His legacy and memory shall live on."

Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez also released a statement: 

  • "Commissioner Elizondo’s passing is saddening to hear. He has been a friend and a mentor to many. His institutional wealth of knowledge of the county will be sorely missed, along with his antidote of humor and wittiness, that I will miss the most."