Johnny “Coach Johnny” Enriquez, a longtime champion of Galveston youth, passed away on October 29.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary, sons Danny and Patrick, and daughter Carrie.
Through his decades of service, Enriquez profoundly impacted the lives of countless young people in Galveston.
“He touched the lives of many kids in Galveston, he invested in kids, and 95 percent of them turned out alright,” said Robert Quintero, president of LULAC and godfather to Patrick.
“He gave more than he ever received.”
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Enriquez served as executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Galveston County—now the Johnny Mitchell Boys and Girls Club—from 1990 until his retirement in 2002.
During his tenure, he expanded the organization to include girls and extended programs to Texas City and La Marque.
A lifelong Galveston resident, Enriquez grew up in Magnolia Homes, later known as the Villas on the Strand, and graduated from Ball High School in 1971.
He and his brother Gilbert served in the Vietnam War, with Gilbert earning two bronze service stars.
His father, Rosalio Enriquez, served in WWII in the Asian-Pacific theater and received multiple medals for bravery. Johnny later earned a degree in general studies from Galveston College.
Beyond his work with youth, Enriquez served as a trustee in the Galveston Independent School District from 1999 to 2002 and actively participated in the American Legion Post 20 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 880.
Enriquez often acted as a parental figure for young Galvestonians at risk of falling into crime.
Quintero recalled when Enriquez personally bought football cleats for Kimble Anders, who later became a fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rob Quintero reflected on his friend’s passing, saying,
“Galveston is a better place because you lived here. I pray that God will provide Mary, Danny, Carrie, and Patrick with His perfect peace at this time. Paz y Amor.”
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Johnny Enriquez’s dedication and compassion leave a lasting legacy on the Galveston community, ensuring that his impact will be remembered for generations.
