Romaldo Perez

Romaldo Saenz Perez, 88, passed away on Sunday, January 29th, 2023, at his home in Weslaco, surrounded by his family. Romaldo was born on October 20th, 1934, to Patricio and Genoveva Perez in Alamo, Texas. His grandparents, Eulogio and Clemencia Saenz, raised Romaldo in Los Escobares, Texas. 

Romaldo was the second born nephew in the Saenz family. His Tia Bertha, Tia Lela, and Tia Maria adored him. They spoiled him as only Aunts could, and he was forever grateful for their love and attention. 

On the other hand, Romaldo's Uncle Tio Fred and Tia Locha, who also helped raise him, taught him the way of the farm. Farm life requires long hours, and Romaldo learned valuable lessons about dedication and tenacity. He tended sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, and many other farm animals. Romaldo's kind heart and loving nature caused him to become very attached to the animals he raised. Over time, Romaldo became very well known for his tradition of serenading his farm animals with old-time songs. In addition, Romaldo learned countless life skills crucial to their farm's success; mending fences and repairing the land were just a few regular duties. 

Romaldo was very close to his cousins. They grew up together and were best friends. So imagine how excited they were when he and his cousins played as "extras" in a revolutionary movie named "Viva Zapata", which was filmed in Rio Grande City. Romaldo and his cousins' role was to create the sound effects of horses trotting into Main Street, which they made by hitting rocks together. Their grandfather, Eulogio, provided water for the cast from a horse-pulled wagon. 

Romaldo was the joy of Saenz's small family unit and lived a simple life surrounded by love and music. He enjoyed this life and work with his grandparents until he was called back home to Weslaco to help with the family farm labor work.

He and his brothers helped their parents, Patricio and Genoveva Perez, who were Pioneers in Weslaco. The family established a farm labor business and hired many individuals who entered our country under the Bracero program. The Perez family provided work, family housing, and priceless opportunities. The Perez family business ultimately led many individuals and families they hired to succeed in our country. Over the years, many workers have returned to give him their thanks and are eternally grateful. 

Next, Romaldo and his four brothers helped their parents establish a trucking company. Finally, the Perez family hired many men and women to pick vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, cantaloupe, onions, and other produce. Finally, the Perez family helped the (bodegas) packaging and processing companies prosper in the Rio Grande Valley through their hard work, tenacity, and excellent management skills. 

In 1954 Romaldo met his wife Alba, and they made their home in Weslaco. His childhood skills were handy, and he would serenade her with his music. Most of the serenades included "their" song "Serenata Sin Luna." Romaldo and Alba spent the rest of their lives together. Four children blessed the Perez home, full of laughter and love. 

Romaldo and Alba were proud citizens of our country and the unique opportunities available only in the United States. They taught their children the importance of giving back to the community. Romaldo and Alba especially stressed the importance of exercising your right to vote. The couple consistently sent in an absentee ballot when Perez's obligations required them to be out of town during an election. They were genuinely patriotic and valued our democracy. 

After managing a successful family business, Seal Produce hired Romaldo. His task was to go and establish an exporting produce business in the states of Tamaulipas, Morelos, Guanajuato, and many other locations in Mexico. Romaldo saw this job as an excellent learning opportunity, leading him to start another business. Romaldo's processing business of buying, selling, and exporting onions to the United States was a success. Next, he built several bodegas in Mexico. Again, following the Perez family tradition, Romaldo employed many local people and helped them improve their quality of life. He continued working in Mexico for more than thirty-five years. As a result, Romaldo created a lifelong friendship. 

Throughout the years, Romaldo grew closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ. While working in Mexico, he was involved in many Christian churches and enjoyed spreading God's love. 

When Romaldo returned home to Weslaco, he continued serving God by attending St. Joan of Arc with his family and helping with his time and gifts. In addition, Romaldo enjoyed reading and studying his bible. This daily habit included looking for encouraging scriptures and highlighting his bible. Romaldo always concluded by dedicating his prayer to someone in need.

Romaldo was loved and will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-granddaughter, other family members, and many friends. 

He is now praising Our Lord with his precious daughter Thelma Perez and his son-in-law Art Cavazos. 

Romaldo is survived by his wife, Alba Perez, sister Rosa P. Jimenez, son Alfredo Perez (Maria de Los Angeles); daughters, Velma Lozano (Abelardo), Alba Cavazos (+Arturo); grandchildren, Ramon Perez (Carmen), Patricio Perez (Jessica), Alfredo Perez Jr. (Brenda), Maria de los Angeles (Gilberto), Romaldo Perez Ortiz (Cecilia), Abel Lozano (Carmen), Stephanie L. Griffen (Jason), Elvis A. Cavazos (Alyssa), Alba J. Cantu (Antonio), Sarah J. Cavazos (Emmanuel), Alex Lozano (Zorayda) and numerous great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 4th, 10 am-9 pm, and Sunday, February 5th, 1-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated Monday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park.