Emilio Victor Aldape Jr.

EMILIO VICTOR ALDAPE JR.

December 26, 1940 – November 4, 2024

 Emilio Victor Aldape Jr.,83, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Monday, November 4, 2024.

He was preceded in death by parents; Emilio Victor Aldape Sr. and Librada Aldape, brother and sister-in-law; Fortunato (Catalina) Aldape, son; Emilio Gerardo Aldape†.

Emilio led a remarkable life, filled with service, hard work, and a deep devotion to his family.

Emilio graduated from Martin High School, class of 1959. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas A&I University at Kingsville. He became a Spanish teacher at Nixon High School, sharing his love for language and culture, he inspired countless students during his years as an educator.

A proud U.S. veteran, Emilio served his country in the U.S. Marines and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired respectfully as a Chief Warrant Officer. His military service was a defining chapter of his life, instilling in him discipline, honor, and a sense of duty that he carried throughout his entire life. Beyond his work in education, Emilio spent years as an immigration officer, ensuring the safety of goods and people through his community. His commitment to safety and service extended to his time as an auto mechanic, where he earned a reputation for his craftsmanship and his ability to fix almost anything that came his way. A natural problem-solver, he was always the go-to person when something needed fixing.

In the later years of his life, Emilio became a proud business owner, running Aldape Automotive for over 50 years in the Laredo community. His entrepreneurial spirit, paired with his work ethic and integrity, helped him build a legacy that will live on in the community he served.

Alongside his career, Emilio embraced the life of a rancher. A true lover of the land as the proud owner of El Cortijo Ranch, where he found peace and joy spending countless hours tending to the land, caring for animals, and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. His ranch was a place where his children and grandchildren made lasting memories, and it was there that Emilio instilled in them a love of nature and a strong work ethic. His passion for the outdoors and his commitment to caring for the land were as much a part of him as any other role he played.

Above all, Emilio was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to his wife, a proud father to his children and an admirable grandfather to his grandchildren. His family was the heart of his world, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and well-being. He cherished his role as a grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren, sharing with them the wisdom, laughs, love and the joys of a life well-lived.

Left to cherish his memory his loving wife of 59 years of marriage Barbara A. Aldape; children, Rodrigo Victor (Cristina) Aldape, Adriana (Roque) Perez, Roberto Aldape, and Judith Aldape; grandchildren, Bryleigh Aldape, Rodrigo Victor Aldape, Annalee Aldape, Ramiro Perez, Victoria Gracia (Perez), Alesandra Perez, Robert Patrick Aldape, Juv Aldape, Cristian Lopez, Jayden Lopez, Joseph Adams, and Natalie Adams, great-grandchildren; Rylee Perez, Rayven Perez, Hunter Alexander Aldape, Xavier Lopez and Xeeclarie Lopez, siblings; Angela (Tomas) Martinez, Olga Pietrantonio, and Johnny (Cristina) Aldape, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, additional relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Tuesday evening, November 12, 2024 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be: Rodrigo V. Aldape, Roberto P. Aldape, Roque Perez, Jerry Medina, Rodrigo Aldape Jr., Ramiro Perez, Jaden Lopez, and Robert P. Aldape.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Efren Gracia, Cristian Lopez, Joseph Adams, Juv Aldape, and Roy Stevenson.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850