Tributes

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Roberto D. Garza, 81, of Mission San Fransisco de la Espada, joined hands with the Lord, passing peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas. “Bob” will be remembered as a loving son, endearing brother, devoted father, beloved grandfather, adored uncle, faithful compadre and compassionate businessman. Bob was blessed with a long and adventuresome life. He spent his childhood years at the family vegetable farm in San Antonio with his ﬁve siblings and graduated from Southside High School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly thereafter. His service including a tour of duty refueling airplanes in ﬂight during the Vietnam War. Bob traveled all over the world during his enlisted time. After returning home and marrying, he moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, where he would start a family and partner with his brother to purchase a business. Bob and his brother, Joe, co-owned Townhouse Motel successfully for decades. Bob loved the outdoors and was an active, lifelong angler and hunter. He ﬁled tags in Texas, Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He also participated in Moose hunts in Alaska. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, and hunting. He regularly golfed with his daughters, loved traveling across the US, and working on classic cars. The pastime he was most passionate about was ﬁshing. Bob would road trip south to ﬁsh the Texas Coast at the drop of a hat and would travel as far north as the Great State of Alaska to wet a line. Bob attempted annually to reel in “The Big One” in the Silver Salmon Derby hosted by the seaside town of Valdez. Nestled on the banks of Alaska’s Prince William Sound, and surrounded by majestic peaks as far as the eye can see, Bob once said, “It’s not possible to open your eyes here every morning, take in the scenery, and not believe in God.” Traveling to Alaska to absorb the stunning views, be one with nature, and spend time with his daughters, became one of Bob’s greatest loves. He made the trip an annual destination after the birth of his grandson, Charles. The addition of his granddaughter, Elizabeth, two years later would have him dedicating the remaining active years of his life to being by their side, sharing the art of angling with them, and making them laugh as often as possible. Bob was received in Heaven by his parents, Avelino and Angelina Garza; his brothers, Avelino Jr. and Joe; sister, Irma Morin; and nephews, Nick and Kevin Garza. He is survived by daughters, Victoria Braun (and husband, David Braun), Jacquelyn Garza, and her children Charles McAdam and Elizabeth McAdam; brother, Paul Garza (and wife Gloria Garza); sister, Candelaria Alderete, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and forever cherished. His Memorial Services will be held at Mission San Fransisco de la Espada, 10040 Espada Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78214. Rosary to be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM and Mass the following day, Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM. A procession will follow to Espada Cemetery for burial and the presentation of Military Honors. In lieu of ﬂowers, please consider a donation to support the maintenance of Espada Cemetery. Please send donations to: Espada Cemetery Maintenance Funds, c/o Jacob Gutiérrez (for Bob Garza), 741 Cravens Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78223. Bob’s daughters and grandchildren would like to extend their most sincere, heartfelt thanks to Bob’s brother, Paul, and his compadre, Efraim Palacios, for their support during this diﬃcult time. Your grace and compassion have been appreciated beyond measure. The gentle kindness, patience, and understanding you have shared during our grieving process has been a beautiful display of the love you felt for our father. We will be eternally grateful for it.

Tributes

Roberto D. Garza

December 28, 1941 - November 2, 2023