Placido "Sonny"

Daniel Cortez

Retired educator and longtime Principal for HCISD, Placido Daniel Cortez, AKA "Sonny", entered eternal rest Wednesday in the early morning hours of March 6, 2024, surrounded by love of family at 80 years of age.

He was born December 20, 1943, in San Benito, TX to Donaciano and Elvira D. Cortez.

He was one of three children from this marriage. Sonny grew up and attended San Benito public school and graduated from San Benito High School. He was a hometown hero of San Benito where he played football for the Greyhounds and wore # 73. He was a member of the greatest football team San Benito has ever had, the 1961 State Semi finalist who fell just short to the Nederland Bulldogs who went on the win the State Championship that year.

Placido "Sonny" Daniel Cortez proudly served in the United States Army, he was a Vietnam War veteran and was honorably discharged.
Sonny was an educator for Harlingen CISD, and he was a former teacher at Bonham Elementary. Through his hard work and perseverance, he became an assistant principal at Gay Jr, High and was the principal of Travis Elementary up until he retired in 1999.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mrs. Velma Nunez.

Left behind to cherish his loving memory is his wife of 28 years, Maria G. Cortez; his children, Daniel Cortez (Cynthia), Evette Marie Cortez, Evonne Talley (Tracy) ; 1 brother, Eduardo Cortez of Colorado; children, Norma Atkinson (Rudy), Nora Elizondo, Noreen Vega (Ed), Ricardo Elizondo Sr. (Maribel); grandsons, Cristian, David, Ricardo Jr.(Ebony), Eduardo III; granddaughters, Miranda, Jessica (Robert Jr.), Jennifer, Traci (Austin), Izabella; 1 great granddaughter, Florence Jean.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 8, 2024 from 1PM to 9PM with a prayer service of the Holy Rosary scheduled to begin at 7PM Friday evening.

A Funeral Mass of Christian burial is scheduled to be held on Saturday March 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Bob Charlton as celebrant.

Interment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park, San Benito with full military honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post 205.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Cristian Cortez, David Cortez, Eddie Cortez, Tracy Talley, Francisco Castellanos, and Jesse Landeros.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 East Harrison Avenue Harlingen, Texas 78550 (956)364-2444. www.trinityfunerals.com