Diego "Dean" Rojas

Diego “Dean” Rojas, 71, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on July 14, 2025. Born on November 16, 1953, in Havana, Cuba, he was the son of Teresa Borges Rojas and Alberto Rojas. Dean spent the first eight years of his life in Cuba before his family’s self-exile on February 2, 1962, eventually settling in the Miami suburb of Hialeah, Florida.

A proud Cuban-American, Dean’s heritage was a cornerstone of his identity. His early experiences as a Cuban refugee shaped his unwavering pursuit of the American Dream and instilled in him a deep appreciation for both his roots and the opportunities he found in his adopted homeland.

During his time in Cuba, Dean attended La Salle Academy Catholic School. His favorite tutor when he was a child was his maternal grandfather, Diego Borges, who played a pivotal role in fostering Dean’s life-long love of learning. During his formative school years, Dean was known as quite the comedian—school was his stage, and he quickly learned how to captivate an audience with his wit and charisma. Dean graduated from Hialeah High School in 1971 and married his high-school sweetheart, Cynthia “Cindy” Smith, in September 1973. Dean and his new bride moved to Gainesville, Florida where Dean graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) with high honors in 1975.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Dean embarked on a distinguished 50-year career in the energy sector. He began at ExxonMobil and later founded Enerlat, where he served as President and Principal, advising investors in energy and infrastructure projects throughout Latin America. In May 1993, Dean married Claudia De Avila, his devoted partner of 34 years. Their story began with a chance meeting during one of his business trips to Colombia—a serendipitous encounter that blossomed into a lifelong love.

Dean’s four children were, without question, his greatest accomplishment and joy. Though he never hesitated to share his opinions on what he believed they should or shouldn’t do, he deeply admired the distinct paths each of them chose and found fulfilment in their unique passions and successes. From his eldest children’s love of yoga, education, running, and Formula 1, to his youngest children’s devotion to theater, teaching, football, and business—Dean could not have been prouder. He celebrated their individuality with unwavering pride. His love for them lives on in the values they embody and the lives they continue to build.

Dean had a gift for holding court—sharing his insights, opinions, and stories on nearly any topic, whether accurate or not. His intellectual curiosity, sparked by his beloved maternal grandfather, remained a defining trait throughout his life. He found joy in posting commentary on global affairs, offering wisdom to anyone willing to listen, and exploring Houston’s Cuban food scene in search of flavors that evoked the spirit of home.

Dean leaves behind his loving wife, Claudia De Avila Rojas, and his four children and their spouses: Suzanne Rojas Loy, Christopher Rojas (Kacey), Amanda “Mandy” Rojas, and Richard “Ricky” Rojas (Emily). He also leaves behind two treasured grandchildren, Jameson Rojas and Audrey Rojas; three siblings and their spouses: Albert Rojas, Diana Morandi (Enrique), and Alex Rojas (Dominique); as well as a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alberto and Teresa “TiTi” Borges Rojas; his maternal grandparents, Teresa “TeTe” Borges and Diego Borges; his paternal grandparents, Alberto Rojas and Teresina Rojas; his father-in-law, José De Avila; and his son-in-law, David “Dave” Loy.

A Funeral Mass will be held in honor of Dean at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, July 18th, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. CT. Immediately following the service, a reception will celebrate his life through shared stories, music, and Cuban cuisine—reflecting the vibrant spirit and culture he held dear.