Matthew Alvin Empante

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Valdez Empante and his mother Elizabeth Anne Empante. He is survived by his wife, Rose Empante; brothers Jeff Empante (RJ); Kevin Empante (Adrian); sons Matthew Empante (Paola) and Roberto Empante (Brittney); step son Daniel Rendon and step grandchildren Sebastian Rendon and Zovia Rendon; and step great grand daughter Violet Rendon.

Blythe, California was his birthplace but at the age of 18 years old, he bravely moved alone to Texas on his own and took various jobs until he began employment with the City of Austin; first at Parks and Recreation and then at Street and Bridge as a Lead Welder. And while being employed he took several years’ worth of classes at ACC to better himself. He would have achieved his Associates if he had been able to continue his education.

There aren't enough words to express this man. He was highly talented and resourceful. This was someone who stayed busy all the time. After retirement he spent his time designing and building different projects, from making BBQ pits to putting up iron fencing, etc. and he had no trouble assisting friends with whatever projects they were working on. Whatever issue was at hand he would find a way to fix or correct. He was a collector of many things because, as he put it, "one day he might need them".

One of his favorite hobbies was gardening. Our trips to stores like Home Depot, Lowes or even HEB resulted in coming home with multiple potted plants or fruit trees (so often that we hurried to find locations for them all).

Animals were drawn to him and our pets (Luna, Penelope and Chapo) loved him whether he scolded them or not and they seem to know that something is amiss and that he hasn't come home.

His love for family and friends was boundless. His infectious laugh and beautiful smile lite up a room. There were times that he would spend hours on the phone with people just discussing his day or theirs. He was an avid jokester and would tell jokes that made your ears turn red. Teasing Zoe or Violet or Mimi relentlessly were one of his favorite things to do and they loved every minute of it. People seemed to be drawn to him and he was a mentor to a lot of our family and friends.

There was always time for a BBQ or crab boil celebrating one family event or another. Cooking Filipino and Mexican dishes was a staple. In the Autumn making a batch or two of caramel popcorn for everyone was something to look forward to. Most of which was eaten as it was being prepared. His love for fishing, whether at the coast with family or going to rivers in the area was a much talked about item.

Going to rock concerts and playing guitar was always a favorite. He was a strong KISS fan (among other groups) and wore their T-shirts until they became so worn that you almost couldn't see the lettering anymore. Listening to rock music was his way of relaxing and he would spend hours doing so.

We all loved him so very much and he left an emptiness that will never be filled again. Missing him is an understatement and he will be remembered for the rest of our lives. He was my soulmate, my friend and was a strong presence in all our lives.

Pall bearers will be Matthew Empante, Roberto Empante, Kevin Empante, Jeff Empante, Carlos Brugh, Sebastian Rendon, Luciano Paz, and Oscar Quintero. Alternate pall bearer will be Daniel Rendon.

Our most sincere thanks to everyone at St. David's Hospital for their hard work in making sure Matt was cared for well and with dignity. Also our thanks to Amedisys Hospice for assisting him to be made comfortable and without pain so that he could finally rest in the Lord's hands. Rev. Charles Kullmann from St. Austin Catholic Parish administered his last rites and for that we are and always will be most grateful.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Empante family.