Roberto Cantu

A local hero, who asked for nothing in return for his service to the New Braunfels community, passed away on August 6, 2013. Roberto Cantu, known to everyone as Bobby Cantu, was a devoted husband, father and a man of great faith. The Bible teaches that faith without works is dead. Bobby Cantu’s faith could not have been more alive. Bobby dedicated his life to changing the lives of hundreds of youth in the New Braunfels community, in particular the Hispanic community, through athletics. Following in the footsteps of his father, Tito Cantu, Bobby began coaching the New Braunfels Toros football team in 1986, and continued as a coach in the various sports offered by the New Braunfels Christian Federation of Police Officers – Police Athletic League until his death. What he provided the youth of the community went beyond instruction on the field and on the court; he provided them with discipline, encouragement and other tools necessary to succeed in life. Many of these children have gone on to lead successful lives as adults and can now be seen in those same athletic arenas giving instruction to the next generation of youth. Bobby’s humble and giving heart was also displayed in the way that he cared for his wife of 28 years, Isabel Cantu, his two children Michael and Brittany, his new daughter in law Emily Cantu and soon-to-be grandson. Never a man of many words or great emotion, his love was often shown through action, none more so than that of cooking. Gatherings were often centered around his amazing barbecue that brought family and friends closer together. It is impossible to describe every way that Bobby impacted people’s lives. Many things will never be the same without him: brisket will not be as savory; the Cowboy’s season will not be as exciting; Comal Park will seem empty without that silver Ford F-150, but his impact will always be felt.

Bobby is survived by his wife Isabel Cantu, his children Brittany Cantu and Michael Cantu, his daughter-in-law Emily Cantu, his soon-to-be grandson, his mother Diana Cantu, his siblings Roland Cantu and Belinda Vallejo, his brother-in-law Leroy Vallejo, numerous nephews and nieces, as well as countless other family members and friends.

Public Visitation began 5:00 PM on Friday at Zoeller Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue today until 9:30 AM when the service departs in procession to the church. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with interment to follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.