Rene Escobar

Rene Escobar, 66, passed away peacefully at home, in Biloxi, MS, on the morning of March 27, 2025, surrounded by love. Just weeks earlier, he celebrated his birthday with friends and family, a testament to the vibrant life he lived and the deep connections he nurtured.

Born on March 8, 1959, in Vineland, New Jersey, Rene lived a life marked by dedication, faith, service, and love. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for nearly 24 years, retiring with honor as a Master Sergeant. Following his retirement, he remained a proud and active veteran, deeply involved in VFW Post 6731 and the honor guard, where he continued to serve his community and fellow servicemen and women.

Rene was known for his generous spirit, his love for cooking, and his joy in bringing people together. He was truly the life of the party—always laughing, always lifting others. He loved to travel, visit family, and cheer on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. He was overjoyed to see them win the Super Bowl earlier this year.

While stationed in Panama, Rene met the love of his life, Itza Escobar. They celebrated 39 beautiful years of marriage in September 2024. Together they built a life filled with love, family, laughter, and lasting memories especially with their three children.

A proud family man, Rene held a deep connection to his Puerto Rican roots through his parents, and though he was born and raised in Vineland, NJ, his heart belonged wherever his loved ones were.

Rene was a man of deep faith. His belief in God carried him through life’s greatest joys and most difficult battles. Though he is no longer with us on earth, we find comfort in knowing he is home now with the Lord, free from pain and suffering.

He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer beginning in July 2011, enduring seven brain surgeries— three within the final months of his life. Through every challenge, his faith, strength, and love for his family never wavered. He fought hardest to meet his first grandson, born in December 2024—a moment that brought him immeasurable joy.

Rene was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, uncle, friend, and most proudly, a grandfather. His legacy of strength, love, and faith lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and Merquiades Escobar; and his younger brother, Rolando Escobar.

He is survived by his wife, Itza Escobar; daughter, Renitza M. Escobar; son-in-law, Jorge Luis Valladares; grandson, Jael Luis Valladares Escobar; sons, Rene A. Escobar and Joel C. Escobar; brothers, Wilfredo J. Escobar and brother-in-law, Paul H. Langley, Alberto Escobar and sister-in-law, Lucy Escobar, and Luis Escobar Valle; sister, Gladys Quinones; nephew, Joel Escobar; nieces, Ariana and Amanda Escobar; plus many more beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews, and grand nephews from his wife side of the family and other family members.

To know Rene was to love him. Though he is no longer by our side, he lives on in our hearts—and now, in Heaven, as our devoted guardian angel.

Visitation will be Monday, April 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave, Biloxi MS 39630. Burial at the VA Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rene Escobar.