Ismael Brenes-Colón

Ismael Brenes Colón, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The Hospitals of Providence East in El Paso, Texas.

Born on June 16, 1935, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Ismael was the beloved son of Ismael Brenes Aguiar and Leonor Colón de Brenes. He graduated from Baldorioty de Castro High School in Puerto Rico before joining the Civil Air Patrol in the early 1950s. Following his service there, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with pride and dedication from 1957 to March 1977. He was especially proud of being a Vietnam Veteran and never missed an opportunity to share his service with others.

Music was one of Ismael’s greatest joys. From childhood, he developed a passion for playing instruments, mastering the trumpet, violin, and drums. He performed with several salsa groups and continued his musical career as an Army musician. Whether he was playing, composing, listening to his favorite Puerto Rican bands, or dancing, music remained at the heart of his life. He also cherished time spent with his family and loved going out to eat with loved ones and friends.

Ismael is survived by his wife of eight years, Bertha Trevizo, sister, Elsie Brenes de Orobitg, children, Ivette Brenes-Lapping, Ivonne Brown, and Ismael Brenes, as well as his 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy throughout his life.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Vigil/Rosary at 6:00 PM, Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, December 8, 2025 at Santo Niño de Atocha Catholic Church, 210 S. Clark. Graveside Service will follow at 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors.