Former television journalist Bert Lozano, 42, is being widely remembered for his talent and professionalism, for his sense of humor and for his strong devotion to his family and friends. Lozano, a Texas native, died Wednesday afternoon, August 31, 2011 at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas. He suffered cardiac arrest the preceding Sunday morning but never regained consciousness. He was surrounded by family and friends at his death.
Lozano was born May 14, 1969 in Mission, TX and attended Mission High School. He later graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where he majored in economics. Lozano began his journalism career in the Rio Grande Valley at KRGV-TV. He had been planning to attend an upcoming weekend reunion of current and former KRGV employees. From there, Bert moved to KSAT-TV in San Antonio.
Bert joined WFAA-TV in Dallas in 2004 where he was the go-to man for live reports and gained worldwide notoriety for being cool under fire. During a 2006 live report at a grassfire outside Dallas, a streaker blowing an air horn appeared out of nowhere and ran right through Bert’s camera shot for everyone to see. Bert however, did not miss a beat and continued his report, leaving many to wonder if what they saw was real. Bert’s live shot appeared on late-nite comedy shows and television programs around the world, and can still be seen today on You Tube. A professional high point for Bert came in 2006 when he received an Emmy Award for his creative report tied to The DaVinci Code movie release.
In 2007, Bert left television journalism and joined Weber Shandwick, a prominent international public relations firm. He was a vice-president with the firm at the time of his death.
While Bert’s talents would have allowed him to pursue opportunities across the country, Bert chose to remain in his native Texas close to his family in Mission, and his expanded family of friends and colleagues around the state. Upon his death, friends, colleagues and fans filled his Facebook page with memories, especially of his famous wit and humor.
Bert is survived by his parents, Humberto and Margarita Lozano of Mission, TX, his brother Rick Lozano of Mission and sister Marla Martinez of Austin and her husband Art. He is also survived by nephew Orlando Lozano and nieces Kayla, Karyna and Cassandra Lozano all of Mission, and nephews Evan and Jake Martinez of Austin. Additionally he is survived by his grandmothers Rosa Ortega and Ninfa Pena of Mission. Bert also leaves behind his two dogs Xam and Owen, both who will be lovingly cared for. And finally, Bert leaves behind countless colleagues and dear friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 4, 2011 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held Monday, September 5, 2011 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation services will follow.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund to benefit college bound students has been established in Bert’s honor at First National Bank. Donations can be made at any First National Bank branch (Account #0140020829), or checks can be mailed to The Bert Lozano Scholarship Fund – First National Bank, 7201 North 10th St., McAllen, TX 78504 attn: New Accounts. Services are under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home of Mission.
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