Gustavo D. Bernal

Gustavo Bernal Sr. went to be with the Lord on September 7, 2026, passing away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born on May 19,1938, to Micaela De La Rosa and Guadalupe Bernal in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in San Antonio, Texas, as one of four children. Gustavo married Helen Ramirez on September 7, 1958, and on their 68th wedding anniversary day, God and Helen welcomed him home to celebrate their anniversary together in heaven.

Even though Gustavo was only able to attend elementary school, he went on to become a successful entrepreneur. He worked for his dad, Guadalupe, until his dad’s passing in 1967. He then launched his own company known as Gustavo’s Concrete Contractor. His dedication and exceptional work were quickly recognized by a few builders in San Antonio in the 70’s-80’s such as Specia Builders, Trabucco, John King, and others. In the 90’s, Gustavo and Helen

co-founded Gustavo’s Mexican Restaurant (610 Cupples Road) along with Bernal Real Estate Investments. His drive, commitment, and work ethics have always been commendable. His wisdom, guidance, and valuable lessons he passed on to his children are a lasting testament to the kind of father he was.

Gustavo was a devoted family man who loved providing for his wife and children. His proudest moment came in 1972, when he built their forever home for his family. Gustavo was a parishioner at Saint John Berchmans Catholic Church. He believed in working hard but also playing hard. Gustavo and Helen played in co-ed softball teams along with their siblings and spouses. In the late 70’s, early 80’s he took weekend get-aways with his family to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to watch and bet on horse and dog races. He enjoyed camping and vacationing with his family and going on short fishing trips to Corpus Christi with his compadres.

His love for gambling also extended to his siblings and in-laws, who would join Helen and him on trips to Vegas, Coushatta, and Kickapoo casinos.

Gustavo was well known for his sociable personality and was most happy when surrounded by family and friends. He loved weekend hosting at their home for cookouts accompanied by music and late-night pool table games. It was never a quiet or dull moment at the Bernal home. Gustavo and Helen opened their doors to all their loved ones.

Throughout his later years, despite being unable to travel or walk, Gustavo found ways to bring joy to himself and others. In his final years, he liked betting on and watching football games with his family. He eagerly anticipated late-night poker games with his wife, children, and grandchildren. It was a delight to be around him – watching him laugh, joke, and easily make everyone else smile.

Gustavo is preceded in death by his parents Micaela & Guadalupe Bernal; his wife Helen Bernal; brothers-in-law Manuel Ramirez, Lazaro Ramirez, and Victor DeLeon Sr., and sisters-in-law Margarita Ramirez, Alice Castillo, Elvira Vasquez, and Dora Rendon.

He is survived by his children Gustavo Bernal Jr. (Melinda Meza), Anna Maria Duenas (Efren), Guadalupe Bernal (Anastasia), and Norma VanWinkle (Troy); grandchildren Gustavo Bernal III (Sylvia Guzman), Isabella Bueno (Jacob), Justin Bernal, Alexis Duenas, Adrian Bernal, Brandon Bernal, Christopher Bernal, and Kristina Bernal; great-grandchildren Nicolas Bueno and Jaiden Bueno; several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; his brother Juan Bernal (Olga); sisters Elvia De Leon and Dolores Trevino (Juan); brothers-in-law Jesse Ramirez (Josephina) and Edward Ramirez (Linda); sister-in-law Socorro Ramirez; and many nieces and nephews.

Gustavo was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237, US, on September 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the Rosary at the same location on September 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

The funeral home will open on September 24, 2026, at 8:30 am, and departing from the chapel will take place on September 24, 2026, at 9:30 am.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St John Berchmans Church, 1147 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78226, US, on September 24, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by committal at San Fernando Cemetery III, 1735 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78226, US, on September 24, 2026, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church Hall, 1730 Dahlgreen Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78237, following the Committal.