Selena Quintanilla’s dad Abraham honored at private celebration of life event after death at 86

Family of Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of beloved late singer Selena Quintanilla, congregated in Corpus Christi, Texas this past weekend for a celebration of life event following his passing at 86. 

Insiders told TMZ that no phones were allowed into the service, and a casket was not on hand at the event, which came less than a month after Quintanilla died December 13.

The event was attended by ‘about 400’ family and friends who watched a presentation featuring a video tribute of Abraham’s life, along with performances from singers, and prayers, insiders told the outlet.

A dinner was held in Abraham’s honor following the memorial service, sources told the outlet. 

The family wanted a low-profile event, insiders told the outlet, and picked Corpus Christi due to their longtime links to the area.

Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s son A.B. Quintanilla III took to Instagram to announce the sad news, writing, ‘It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today.’

In a more comprehensive statement issued the following day, the family said they were announcing ‘with deep sadness the passing of Abraham Quintanilla, beloved husband, father, and patriarch of the Quintanilla family, who passed away Saturday morning.’

The family continued, ‘Abraham was a devoted family man whose life was marked by faith, discipline, and steadfast love.

‘He was a guiding presence within his family and worked tirelessly to protect, provide for, and lead with integrity.’

Medical examiners declined to investigate the cause of death amid no indicators of foul play or trauma, according to TMZ. 

No cause of death for Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was publicly released, the outlet reported. 

The Dreaming of You singe was shot to death at 23 at a Days Inn motel on March 31, 1995 by her fan club president Yolanda Saldivar, now 64.

Saldívar, who used a .38-caliber revolver in the slaying, had been fired by the singer as a manager for her fan club and side businesses earlier that month. 

An April 3, 1995 memorial in Selena’s honor at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas drew more than 50,000 mourners.

Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder in October 1995, and sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole after 30 years.

She was denied parole last March, by the Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles, in her first bid for freedom since her slaying of the iconic Mexican American artist. (Saldívar will again be eligible for parole in 2030.)

Selena’s family and widower Chris Perez issued a joint statement at the time commending the parole board’s decision to keep Saldivar locked up.

‘Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,’ the said.

The statement continued: ‘While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.’ 

‘Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit,’ they continued.

The family said they ‘remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.

‘We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing.’

The family concluded in saying, ‘We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life – not the tragedy that took her from us – and we ask that all who cherish her do the same.’