OBIT – Rodolfo Cantu
On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, our Heavenly Father called his son Rodolfo “Roy” Cantu home. Roy was born in Los Fresnos, Texas on March 9, 1945.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Theresa Cantu and was survived by his loving wife, Lucila Silva Cantu; his sons, Robert, Richard (Liz) and Rudy (Jennifer); his grandchildren Robert Jr., Kristina, Katherine, Severiano, Emma, Logan, Eloisa, Fernando, Madilyn, Ashlyn; his great grandson Trey; and four brothers Hector, Arturo, Oscar and Joel Cantu.
Roy graduated from Los Fresnos High School, in 1964, with a Distinguished Outstanding Senior Award. He was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969, where he received an Honorable Discharge with a rank of Staff Sargeant. He attended Texas Southmost College in Brownsville and after serving his country he attended Miami-Dade Junior College, Texas A & I University, and Pan American University.
Roy started his banking career in Alice, Texas, at the Bank of South Texas. A few years later he was chosen to serve as President and CEO of First National Bank in Rio Grande City for over 18 years. Thereafter, he joined International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank) as Senior Vice-President of International Lending. He completed his career in banking at Lone Star National Bank where he served as an Executive Vice President.
After his long career in the banking industry, Roy worked for the City of McAllen as the Director of the EB5 Program for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and over the last few years, he worked for Best Health Home Care Company Incorporated.
Roy was a pillar of the community and was actively and passionately involved in the cities where he lived and as well as numerous organizations that contribute to these communities throughout his career, including the Lions Club of Alice, Rio Grande City Rotary Club (former President), the Rio Grande City Chamber of Commerce, Immaculate Conception PTO (former President), the Starr County Youth Fair Association (former President), Knights of Columbus, Order of the Alhambra and Club de Amistad.
Roy loved to travel, play golf and spend time with his family and friends. But above all his work, community involvement and hobbies, Roy was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. His quiet strength and selfless love will live on through those he leaves behind.
Pallbearers are Robert Cantu Jr., Hector Cantu Jr., David Cantu, Oscar Cantu Jr., John Anthony Silva, and Eloy Silva Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Cortez, Richard Gutierrez, Roy Garcia, Dr. Pablo Tagle, David Guerra, Humberto Garcia, Jesus “Chuy” Ramirez, Rene Avila, Lucia Perez and Elsa Lopez.
Visitation was held from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. rosary on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Our family would like to thank Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Texas Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Juan Salazar, Dr. Norman Ramirez and Dr. Alvaro Restrepo for their unparalleled care and treatment.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home of Mission.