Jorge Condren

Jorge Enrique Condren, age 91, was called home to be with God, our heavenly father on November 26, 2024. Jorge was born on December 26, 1932 to Elvira R. and John Condren in Laredo, TX. Jorge was raised and unconditionally loved by his mother and grandmother, Isabel S.Rubio. Much of Jorge’s childhood was spent with his beloved uncle, Jose Rubio and numerous cousins who were like his siblings. Jorge attended St. Peter’s Elementary school and St. Joseph’s Academy high school in Laredo, TX. In 1953, Jorge joined the United States Air Force where he was an aircraft mechanic and worked on B47 bombers, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. In 1976, Jorge graduated with an Associates Degree in Science from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO.

In 1957, after serving honorably in the United States Air Force, Jorge began working for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (MAC) in St. Louis, MO, as a F-4 Phantom mechanic. Jorge worked at McDonnell Douglas (formerly MAC) until his retirement, in 1994. 

In 1966, while attending a singles’ dance, Jorge met Rosemary McLafferty, the love of his life. Rosemary fondly recalls seeing a tall, dark and handsome gentleman across the room and knew she had to meet him. On December 31, 1966, Jorge and Rosemary married in a small ceremony which included their close friends and family. Jorge and Rosemary settled down in St. Charles, MO, where they raised their 4 children. Jorge was a dedicated husband and father. Whether it was dancing with Rosemary to music of the Glenn Miller Band at a wedding reception, or his daughters dancing with their feet on his in the kitchen, he enjoyed those fun and light moments. Many days, Jorge would sit at the kitchen table, with his children, and make amazing paper airplanes that would soar across the room. Many Christmas eves he would stay up until wee hours of the morning putting together toys to put under the tree, knowing full well that his children would wake up to open their gifts almost as soon as he went to bed. He spent time building pinewood derby cars for Cub Scout races, and put in significant hours helping to build a working engine for a science project. Jorge was a master pancake maker and enjoyed making them for his family on Saturday mornings. There are generations of new jalapeno lovers because of Jorge’s introduction of authentic pickled jalapenos to friends, neighbors and family. On any given weekend you could find him fixing cars, mowing the lawn, BBQing, or packing the station wagon for a family camping trip. Jorge loved fishing and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren during the many family summer trips to Eagle Hurst Ranch. Jorge’s dedication did not stop with his family, he volunteered at local organizations and was an active member of St. Cletus Parish Catholic Church. 

Jorge’s legacy is that he proudly led a life full of faith, integrity and love for his family, and taught his family to live the same way. 

Jorge is reunited with his mother, whom he loved dearly, his Uncle Jose, his brother, Jack Condren, sister in law, Teresa McLafferty, brother in laws, Bill and John Joseph Jr. McLafferty, and many other loved ones who have passed before him. We believe that they welcomed him in their arms when he arrived. 

Jorge is survived by his cherished wife and best friend of 58 years, Rosemary Condren, his children Tricia (Shawn) Merry, Shan (Scott) Mitchell, Colleen Condren, Tim (Mia) Condren, his 10 grandchildren Maria Merry, Alicia Merry, Jenna Merry, Alex (Emily) Mitchell, Meghan (Chris) Meier, Caroline Mitchell, Adriana Condren, Thomas Condren, Bryanna Meitz, and Samuel Condren. He is also survived by his loving Rubio family members in Laredo, Tx, his sister in law, Sarah McLafferty, brother in law, James E. McLafferty, and many others who loved and admired him. 

The world is a better place because Jorge was in it. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. Jorge’s family would like to express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Breeze Park staff and his special caregivers who loved and cared for him as if he was their own. Your kindness will never be forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made, in Jorge’s memory, to St. Peter The Apostle Church, 1510 Matamoros St. Laredo, TX 78040. Contact: sec@stpetertheapostlelaredo.org, 956-723-6301