Hilario E. Rocha, Jr.

HILARIO E. ROCHA, JR. “BITO”

November 20, 1950 – August 14, 2023

Mr. Hilario Rocha Jr. "Bito" as he was affectionately known, entered into eternal rest at the age of 72 on Monday, August 14, 2023 surrounded by his family. 

Hilario was a Martin High School graduate, Class of 1970.  After graduating he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp from 1973-1978 ranking as a Sergeant.  He continued his military service by then joining the Army National Reserve from 1979-1988.  Because of his long-life love for children, Bito pursued the educational field.  He taught for a combined 34 years in UISD and LISD.  He also volunteered coaching the girls’ volleyball teams from his elementary school.  He was an avid hunter as well as supporting his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hilario and Belia Rocha Sr., sisters; Rosie Rocha and Anna Lilia Rocha, grandparents; Guadalupe and Joel Rocha, Lilia and Benigno Rodriguez.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his sisters, Sandra Rocha, Laura Rocha Rodriguez, Adriana Gonzalez, Leticia (Jose) Rocha Alardin.  The love of his life, wife Yolanda Paez Rocha, children; Cris Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Oscar Rodriguez, grandchildren; Georgette Rangel, Cris Angelo Rodriguez, Danny Rodriguez, Richard Leza, Skylynn Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez, Andy Rodriguez, Alyssa Rodriguez and Jeffrey Rodriguez.  Also surviving, nieces and nephews; Jerry Rocha, Priscilla (Don) Aime, Jennifer Ramos, Michael Velasquez, Jackie Ramos, Kevin Velasquez and Joel Alardin, grandnieces, and grandnephews; Carlos, Sadie, Jaelynn, Aubrey, Hillary, Millie, Abby, and Liam.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, August 25, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, August 26, 2023 departing at 9 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to Christ the King Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Veteran’s Section of the Laredo City Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Laredo Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be: Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez, Michael Velasquez Rocha, Kevin Velasquez, Rocha, Joel Alardin Rocha, Louie Paez, Eddie Herrera and Gabriel Herrera.

Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Cris Rodriguez, Jose Alardin, Don Aime, Andy, Javier Rocha, Hector Rocha Jr. and Joel Rocha III.

Special thanks and gratitude to Bito's beloved cousins, Lamar Montalvo and Susie Turner.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Luis Benavides, Dr. Eduardo Miranda, Dr. Olivas, Drs. Hospital ICU and 4th floor nurses, nurses and staff from Nurses on Wheels and Laredo Regent Care.

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 Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.