Roberto Miguel Rodriguez

Roberto Miguel Rodriguez, lovingly known as Beto, passed away on October 9, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on May 14, 1944, in Laredo, Texas, Roberto lived a life defined by hard work, love for his family, generosity, and an unmistakable sense of humor. To his beloved wife, Ernestina, he was affectionately known as "Dulce," a Spanish term of endearment meaning sweetheart. He was a loving husband, caring father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal brother and friend whose presence brought laughter and warmth to those around him.

Growing up in Laredo, Roberto spent much of his time surrounded by family. He admired his uncles and learned many of the practical skills that would become lifelong passions, including working on cars, welding, building, and hunting. He loved working with his hands, figuring out how things worked, and finding solutions to just about any problem. Although he never pursued a college education, Roberto possessed an exceptional level of practical intelligence and common sense. He had a natural ability to look at almost anything, whether an appliance, a motor, or even a computer, and figure out how it worked or what needed to be fixed. He was the kind of person who could assess a problem, trust his instincts, and find a solution. His knowledge came from experience, curiosity, and a willingness to take things apart, understand them, and put them back together. It was just one of the many ways his resourcefulness and intelligence showed throughout his life. He also developed a deep appreciation for Mexican music and playing the guitar, passions that remained with him throughout his life.

In July 1965, Roberto proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He served on active duty from July 14, 1965, through July 14, 1967, including time stationed at Fort Bliss and a transfer to St. Louis, Missouri. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and received an honorable discharge in 1967. His love of cooking became another way he shared himself with others during his military service, cooking for fellow service members and bringing people together through food. His pride in his country and military service remained an important part of who he was.

After leaving the military, Roberto made his way from Laredo to Kerrville and eventually to Austin, Texas, where he and Ernestina raised their three children. Together, they purchased their first family home across from an elementary school so their children could walk to school each day. That home became the center of their family and remains Ernestina's home today. Roberto loved the open spaces and countryside of Central Texas and made it a tradition to take his family on weekend adventures, packing a cooler with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. Every once in a while, the family was treated to a stop at Dairy Queen, where everyone could choose their favorite treat. At home, he was happiest around the backyard grill, preparing fajitas, steaks, burgers, and ribs for family and friends. He took tremendous pride in his cooking and loved watching people enjoy his food. When someone complimented his barbecue, he was quick to share the stories, techniques, and secrets behind the perfect tenderness of the meat. Those gatherings, filled with good food, laughter, stories, and jokes, became some of the family's most treasured memories.

Roberto was an extrovert who never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was a natural jokester who loved getting people riled up in good fun, making others laugh, and occasionally enjoying a little attention himself. Beneath his playful personality was a generous and caring man who worked incredibly hard to provide for his family, sometimes taking on multiple jobs or odd jobs to make sure everyone was taken care of. He believed that hard work would lead to success and wanted his children to have opportunities and comforts that he had not always experienced growing up. As his children began working and attending college, he would often show up with dinner from their favorite hamburger restaurant, Airport Hamburger Haven in Austin, simply because he knew it would make them happy. He took pride in watching his children grow, succeed, and build lives of their own. He also had a particular appreciation for a clean, well-maintained car and was never shy about letting family members know if their vehicles needed a wash. Whether playing his guitar, listening to Mexican music, attending a car show, working in his yard, visiting a friend's or relative's ranch, or sharing a meal with loved ones, Roberto found joy in the simple things. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable pride and happiness. Some of his sweetest final memories were made with his great-grandchildren climbing all over him as he sat in his recliner, turning him into their own personal jungle gym. Their laughter and affection brought him tremendous joy.

Above all, Roberto will be remembered as a loving husband to Ernestina, a caring father to Melissa, Roberto Miguel Jr., and Brandon, a proud grandfather to Candice Marie, Reuben, Cameron, and Madison, and a devoted great-grandfather to Isabella and Genevieve. He is also survived by his siblings Irma Aguilar, Estella Rodriguez, and Adan Rodriguez, along with extended family and many friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Rodriguez and Ruby Rodriguez, and his brother, Ramon Eduardo Rodriguez. His legacy lives on through the family he worked so hard to provide for, the friendships he built, the meals he shared, the stories he told, and the laughter he brought into every room. His witty sense of humor, generous spirit, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed, but the love he gave and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of those who knew him forever.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Roberto's memory may make a donation to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Memorial Title: In Loving Memory of Roberto Miguel Rodriguez Fundraising Designation: In Memoriam Beneficiary: Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Make a memorial donation to DAV:

https://support.dav.org/campaigns/In-Memoriam-of-Roberto-Miguel-Rodriguez

Memorial Service & Burial

Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Austin Memorial Park

2800 Hancock Drive

Section 12, Lot 33, Space 5

Austin, Texas 78731

A blessing of the ground and a short sermon by the priest will be followed by military honors, including an honor guard and flag presentation