Gonzalo Rubio

Gonzalo Rubio, (84), of Brownsville, Texas, passed away of metastatic cancer on April 1st, 2023, surrounded by loving family, friends, and caretakers.

Gonzalo, known as Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, was born to Grabiel Rubio and Guadalupe Galvan on January 15, 1939, in Brownsville, Texas.  He grew up on East 13th and Hayes Street and took to shining shoes and delivering newspapers until he joined the Texas National Guard at age 16.   Unfortunately, his father Grabiel Rubio was killed in Matamoros MX when Gonzalo was only six years old.  So, he was compelled to send a large portion of his military wages back home, to help his mother through trying times.  He joined the regular Army on January 17, 1956, and served at Fort Ord California, Bremerhaven West Germany, and Fort Hood Texas.  After his Army stint, he worked at the shipyards in the Port of Brownsville, earned his Automotive Technology Certification and eventually became a Certified Nurses’ Assistant. 

In the mid-1960’s, Gonzalo was the victim of a jobsite accident where a boat explosion at the Port of Brownsville almost fatally wounded him and resulted in his right leg being amputated.  Despite his injury, he continued to work hard and lived a long life, most people around him did not even know that he was an amputee.  Gonzalo was smart, savvy and a survivalist.  He had a passion for instilling knowledge and advice and was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 18 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and later an Assistant Scout Master at Troop 44 at Egly Elementary School.  During his tenure as a youth leader, three scouts attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in the Rio Grande Council.  In his golden years he became solitary, enjoyed the tranquility of the woods, and valued a good read about World and Texas history.  He also loved playing chess with his children and talking about current events.  He will be missed; may God keep him in his arms as he transitions to the everlasting life.

Gonzalo was preceded in death by his father Grabiel and mother Guadalupe, along with his siblings Santos Galvan, Gabriel Rubio, and sadly his oldest daughter Amelia Rubio.  

He is survived by his eight children, Gonzalo Rubio Jr. married to Lupita Cardenas, Georgeanna Rubio, Maria Guadalupe married to Gustavo Hidalgo, Joann Rubio, Victoria Rubio, Roman Zapata, Anastacia Rubio and George L. Rubio.  Additionally, he is survived by 20 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. 

Gonzalo’s family will host visitation on Tuesday, April 04, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., at the Delta Chapel, 1300 E. Harrison St., Brownsville TX, 78521.

Funeral services will begin Wednesday, April 5th at 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at the Delta Chapel and the procession will depart at 11:00 a.m. for a mass service at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (11:30 a.m.), 1200 Lincoln St, Brownsville, TX followed by interment at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans’ Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., 2520 Inspiration Rd, Mission, TX 78572.

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