Roberto Granado Valdez

Born on January 28, 1945, in El Paso, Texas, Roberto was the beloved son of Francisco Salazar Valdez and Lucia Granado Valdez. His maternal ancestors were founders of the town of Fort Davis in the Big Bend Region. He spent much of his childhood in Fort Davis and in El Paso, Texas. Roberto graduated from Austin High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1967. His passion for learning led him to further his studies at Our Lady of the Lake University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration in the 1990s. . Roberto served his country with dedication as a member of the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1972.

On August 9, 1969, Roberto married the love of his life, Alice Elizabeth Valdez. His faith was central to his life, and he sought to model his actions after the teachings of Jesus Christ. This fed his deep involvement with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston, where he was one of the founding members of the St. Joseph Fun and Food Fest. Roberto supported Alice in the founding of Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA). His faith led him to shape his career in a way that allowed him to support Alice in building and growing MECA. Roberto held management roles in various companies across multiple industries, with an expertise in quality control. Roberto took pride in always treating colleagues and employees with respect and fairness.

Beyond his love for service, music and the arts, Roberto found joy in sailing, camping, hiking, and all sports. He was particularly fond of football, in which he supported the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Longhorns and of course his beloved UTEP Miners. Whether exploring nature or cheering on his favorite teams, he embraced life with enthusiasm and energy. He was known for his kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering presence in the lives of those around him. A devoted husband to Alice Elizabeth Valdez and a loving father to Clarissa Lucinda Valdez and Frances Elizabeth Valdez. Roberto cherished his family more than anything. He welcomed Aaron Cernosek and Nelly Lopez into the family with warmth and love as his son-in-law and daughter-in-law. As an active grandfather, "Parqui" took immense pride in his grandsons Luca Francisco Cernosek, Petronilo Benedicto Cernosek, Rumaldo Roberto Cernosek, and Francis Alic Lopez Valdez, always offering them guidance and encouragement.

Roberto’s legacy is one of love and devotion—to his family, faith, country, and community. His kindness and generosity brought comfort to those who knew him, and his booming voice and dry wit brought joy to everyone around him.

Family and friends are invited to pay tribute to Roberto’s life through various services:

● Visitation: March 27, 2025, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008. A Rosary will take place during visitation at 6:00 PM at the same location.

● Funeral Mass: March 28, 2025, 9:00 AM, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1505 Kane St., Houston, TX 77007.The Committal Service will follow at 11:00 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038 (please note there will be no procession from the church to the cemetery).

Roberto’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in peace, knowing he was dearly loved by all who knew him.