Raul "Papa" Garibaldi

Raul "Papa" Garibaldi, 94, of 1202 Mount Capote, San Antonio, TX, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Falfurrias, Texas, on February 2, 1932, he was one of six children born to the late Antonio and Maria Jesusa Garibaldi.

Raul proudly served 23 years in the United States Air Force. Assigned to the Red Horse Unit, he retired in 1974 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. A proud and devoted Freemason, he held the highest earned rank, 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. His commitment to the values of brotherhood, integrity, service, and charity reflected his dedication to the Masonic fraternity and the way he lived his life.

Following his military retirement, Raul became the first employee hired by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). He oversaw the Utility Operations Department and retired after a 30-year career. In his retirement, he cherished the time spent with his family at his ranch, 3 Circle G, in Sabinal, Texas, where he raised Black Brangus cattle and horses.

Though Raul accomplished many wonderful things throughout his life, his greatest accomplishment and greatest joy was being married to the love of his life, Doris Amelia Fowler Garibaldi, for 63 beautiful years. Raul and Doris were married at a young age and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Together, they raised a large and beautiful family, creating a legacy that will continue through the generations. To their family, they will always be lovingly remembered as “Nanny and Papa”—two people whose love, devotion, and family were at the heart of everything they did.

Raul is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Doris Amelia Fowler Garibaldi; his daughter, Deborah Arleen Garibaldi Davidson; and his sisters, Mary Cortez, Belia Verette, and Adelina Pasillas. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Sharon Garibaldi, and Gary and Gina Garibaldi; his son-in-law, Jeff Davidson; his grandchildren, Nicole (Scott) White, Julie (Chad) Mannella, Stephanie (Matt) Rooks, Matthew Davidson, Brian Garibaldi, Garrett Davidson, Micheas Garibaldi, and Dylan Garibaldi; and seven great-grandchildren.

The Garibaldi family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to Raul’s compassionate caregiver and friend, Ursula Wheeler, who devoted the past eight years to his care and wellbeing. The family will forever be indebted to Ursula for the love she showed him.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX. A funeral service will be held the next day at the funeral home at 10:00 am with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209, at 11:30am.