Robert Michael Salazar

Robert Michael Salazar, 63, passed away on April 20, 2025, at 12:47 PM at Seton Williamson Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving husband Enrique (Henry) Mercado, best friend Jack Martinez, and his brothers David and Ruben Salazar.

Born in Del Rio, Texas, on April 13, 1962, Robert grew up in Austin, Texas. He had a deep passion for helping others, dedicating countless hours in online chat rooms to assist parents, family members, and those in the LGBT community. Robert made it his mission to support individuals in embracing their identity and to encourage family and friends to accept and love them for who they are. He also devoted several years of his life volunteering at the Austin AIDS Services food bank.

Robert had a love for the arts and enjoyed indulging in his hobbies, including reading, watching musicals, and attending Round Rock Express baseball games and Texas Stars hockey games. He enjoyed camping, trips to the beach, and attending the Texas Renaissance Festival. Robert cherished deep conversations with his friend William Jacob Sellers about music, art, politics, history, and religion, often accompanied by a few beers. His love for animals was boundless, and for the past 30 years, he cared for a variety of exotic animals, as well as chickens, goats, cats, and dogs.

A proud graduate of John H. Reagan High School in Austin, Robert later pursued his dream of becoming a pastry chef. He studied at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, graduating in 2018. His passion for baking and creating beautiful desserts led him to work as a pastry chef at Central Market/HEB. Prior to that, Robert held supervisory positions at Home Depot and Furrow Building Materials. He also served in the United States Army until his medical discharge.

Robert met his husband Enrique Mercado online through America Online, and they became partners for 30 years. On June 26, 2015, they married after same-sex marriage became legal in the United States.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Salazar, and his mother, Ella Mary Salazar, both of Del Rio, Texas. He is survived by his husband, Enrique Mercado; his brothers, David and Ruben Salazar; his niece, Lisa; and his nephew, Zachary, all of Austin, Texas.

Robert will be cremated and laid to rest beside his mother, Ella Mary Salazar, at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. There will be no formal services. Memorials or flowers may be sent to Enrique Mercado at 705 Pigeon Forge Rd, Pflugerville, TX 78660.