Gilberto Rodriguez passed away on May 2, 2023, at the age of 83, in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

He was born to Sara Lumbreras and Gregorio Rodriguez on Sept. 29, 1939. After graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1957, he went on to Southwest Texas State University where he earned a B.S. of Law Enforcement in 1974.

A lifetime of honorable military service, Gilberto served in the United States Marines Corps Reserves, United States Air Force, United States Air Force National Guard, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 from the United States Army Reserves. He worked as a civilian federal police officer with the Department of Defense at Kelly AFB. He later retired as a special agent with the Department of Defense, Defense Investigative Service.

He was involved in several fraternal and social organizations. He was an active Master Mason of Triune Lodge #15, Scottish Rite and a noble Shriner. In addition, he was a member and past president of the Polka Dawgs Conjunto Club. He was also a member of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association where he held several positions on the Executive Board of Directors. He also organized volunteers for the Golden Gloves and volunteered at the Conjunto Festival.

Always the entertainer, you never left his company without cracking a laugh. Always diving into his repertoire of jokes and consistently laughing before delivering the punchline (because he cracks himself up). You'd also never leave without a to-go bag of Virgin Mary medals (even if you weren't religious), loteria-themed shirts or a leather jacket that may or may not be too big or too small.

He is survived by his spouse of 59 years Dora Rodriguez; siblings Olga Godina and Joe L. Lumbreras; children Gilbert A. Rodriguez (Lillian) and Deborah A. Negrete (Leo); grandchildren Sara Lynette R. Tomlin (Alan), Miranda M. Rodriguez, Nicholas A. Rodriguez and Alexis R. Acuña; and great-granddaughter Aurora S. Rivera.

Gilberto was predeceased by his parents Sara Lumbreras and Gregorio Rodriguez.

Services will be held at Castillo Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, departing Castillo Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m.