Raul Montalvo

Raul Montalvo, 87, of San Benito, TX, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Harlingen, Texas.

Born on August 28, 1937, in San Benito, Raul was the son of Rosario Montalvo and Ignacia Nerio Montalvo. Tragically, his father passed away when Raul was just three years old. His mother worked tirelessly to support him and his four sisters, instilling in them the values of humility, respect, and hard work.

From a young age, Raul demonstrated a strong work ethic as he picked cotton to help provide for his family. Despite these early responsibilities, he cherished the memories made with friends, enjoying fishing, swimming, and playing guitar.

During his teenage years, Raul met the love of his life, Gloria, at Saint Theresa Catholic Church. They married when Raul was just 20 and shared 66 beautiful years together while raising three children.

Raul's commitment to service began at 18, when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Petty Officer and with the Navy Shore Patrol during the Vietnam War, dedicating 20 years to his country. After his military service, Raul furthered his education at Palomar College in California and went on to work for Hewlett Packard. He contributed to the Precreation Committee in 1986 and the Recreation HP/San Diego Division Committee in 1987.

A proud member of the DAV Warriors Club, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Catholic Vote. Raul was known for his generosity and willingness to help others particularly his family, friends, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, veterans and local Catholic churches.

Known for his culinary skills, he particularly enjoyed barbecuing for family gatherings and helping his wife prepare meals.  Also known for his sense of humor, when invited for family or friend’s cookouts, he would often exclaim, “God bless the Cook” and expressed his joy of returning home with the words, “home again America for me.” A lover of food, he especially enjoyed stead, eggs, shrimp, and fish.

Raul embraced life with gratitude and happiness, maintaining a warm and peaceful demeanor even in challenging times. He enjoyed sharing moments over a cold beer or tequila with loved ones and indulged in music particularly rancheras, corridos, and Mariachi. This passion for music ignited in as a young boy and remained with him throughout his life. He was also fond of playing the lottery and enjoyed leisure activities such as golf, fishing, and bowling.

In his later years, Raul cherished quality time with his beloved wife and their dogs, especial Benji and Max “El Prieto”. He took great pleasure in visiting family in California whenever possible.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosario and Ignacia Montalvo; his daughter, Cindy Montalvo; his sister, Minerva Tolento; and his grandmother, Maria Del Refugio Nerio. Raul is survived by his sisters, Olivia Beltran (Hector †), Emma Martinez (Alex), Cristela Gast (William †); his devoted wife, Gloria Montalvo; his children, Theresa Root (Michael) and Ronnie Montalvo; his 5 grandchildren, Elainna F. Allport, Breanna H. Monette, Monica N. Montalvo, Ema R. Root, Patrick R. Montalvo; his great grandchildren, Weston J. Allport, Calvin M. Monette, Maisy Grace Montalvo, and Jackson Warford; his caregiver and close family friend, Hilda Torres; his dogs Max, Benji and Chiquita.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Thursday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Torres, Michael Root, Eric Monette, Matt Allport, Ronnie Montalvo, Tony Valladares, Fred Montalvo, and Hector Beltran.