Roberto Garza

Roberto Garza began his journey home to our heavenly Father surrounded by his family and loved ones on January 25, 2024 one week shy of his 94th birthday. He was born to the late Isabel Guadiana and Jose Garza.

Upon graduation from San Benito High School, Roberto joined the United States Army on December 6, 1950 where he completed basic training at Fort Sam Houston and was later assigned at Fort Sill, OK. He was granted an honorable discharge on December 14, 1951 to become the primary provider due to the sudden death of his father in which Roberto provided for his mother and sisters as a mechanical and service attendant at Benny’s Gas Station. It was here that Roberto met the love of his life, Julia Canales; they were married soon after on July 21, 1979.

Roberto, also known fondly as Beto to his friends and family and “Memo” to his step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren attended Texas Southmost College where he received a degree in education. He taught primary school at Fred Booth Elementary for several years. In 1985 he was employed by the Cameron County Health Department as a health inspector until his retirement in 2000.

Taking advantage of retirement status, Roberto and Julia took to the skies traveling to Rome, Italy, Jerusalem (The Holy Land), Israel, Canada, Mexico and the United States from East to West Coast and in between.

Roberto’s deep and abiding faith led him to be an active leader in the Rio Grande Valley Cursillo Movement of the catholic faith. He was instrumental in facilitating retreats, providing spiritual counseling, giving lectures and guidance to many. He was also a marriage preparation counselor and involved with the movement for Catholic Christian Marriages.

“Memo” was known to be a kind, humble, gentle and generous man, quiet and yet strong and deeply rooted in his catholic christian faith, family and love for his wife, Julie (as he was known to call her). His love of and for dogs earned him the nickname “dog whisperer” as they were completely mesmerized by his calming energy. He will be remembered as being patient, loving, wise and ”funny” by his step- grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and will be missed deeply by all those who truly knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Isabel Guadiana and Jose Garza and his sister Alicia Garza.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Julia C. Garza, his sister Belia Martinez (Houston, TX), his nephew Ramiro Martinez (Washington D.C.), his niece Isabel Martinez (Boston, MA.). Also, his step-children Adriana (Raul) Garza, Olympia (Oscar) Martinez, Ricardo (Dora) Rodriguez, Janie (Gustavo) Gonzalez and nephew Raymond (Jennifer) Canales. His step-grandchildren Maricela Veronica Garza, Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr., Aaron Michael Rodriguez, Zachary James Martinez, Cesar Gonzalez, Armando Gonzalez, Rick Anthony Rodriguez, Rodrick Valentine Rodriguez, and Priscilla Garcia.

Step-great grandchildren are Christopher Anthony Valle, Devin Michael Garza, Nicholas Adrian Arredondo, Jake Ryan Rodriguez and Levi Jude Rodriguez.

Step-great great grandchildren include Nevaeh Marie Valle, Matthew Anthony Valle, Christopher Valle, Jr., Levi Valle, Devin Alexander Valle, Luke Frederick Garza and Atreus Adrian Arredondo.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to those involved with the health care of Roberto including Dr. Julio Savinon, Dr. Todd Shenkenberg, the staff at Golden Palms and Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the team at Mount Sinai Hospice.

The Garza family will receive friends and family on Tuesday January 30, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary and music will be lovingly provided by his brothers and sisters of the Cursillo Movement at 7:00 pm. A mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito, TX. Following mass, Roberto will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Raul Garza, Ricardo Rodriguez, Oscar Martinez, Zachary James Martinez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr., Rodrick Valentine Rodriguez, Raymond Canales and Ramiro Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers are Nicholas Adrian Arredondo, Vicente Olvera, Aaron Michael Rodriguez, Christopher Anthony Valle, Devin Michael Garza, Maricela Veronica Garza, Rick Anthony Rodriguez and Ivan James Canales.