OBITUARY

Robert Botello

AUGUST 8, 1951 – JANUARY 21, 2023

Robert (Popo) Botello, 71, of Austin, TX was called home on Saturday, January 21, 2023 surrounded by his family. Robert was born on August 8, 1951 in Austin, TX.

Robert was the oldest of his 3 siblings. Early in high school, he took the responsibility upon himself to help his parents take care of his siblings and got a job. Not only did he want to help out his parents, he also wanted to be able to have money for his snacks. His siblings say he would hide his snacks around his room so they wouldn't find them.

Robert was so happy when his first niece, Rochelle, was born. She was his Chelly Baby. When he married and started his family, Robert never stopped wanting to help out his siblings. He was always around when needed and hosted BBQs, super bowl parties, Christmas, family reunions, and never passed up the opportunity to spoil the nieces and nephews.

Robert was known all around town and as far as Washington state for his BBQ skills. He loved having everyone over to share what he did best; making everyone full and happy. You know if you had his brisket, chicken, or his specialty, pork ribs. Robert was proud when his son carried on this tradition of BBQing and inviting everyone over to his house. He would leave and brag about how well Gilbert did on the meat. He was a hard critic when it came to BBQ and knew his son learned from the best.

Robert was a hard worker in his printing career. He woke up early and came home well after dark. During election time, his company would send him to help different counties set up their voting booths. He brought his family on these small road trips and always laughed that Maya and Gilbert would fall asleep and Kristie was his co-pilot.

Robert’s hard work paid off which allowed him to travel with his family all over the place. He especially loved camping trips with his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. He would go fishing with his dad and taught Gilbert how to fish. He loved driving his dad’s boat with all the kids inside. Robert and Maya took the kids to Idaho, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Disneyland, Washington state, as well as Victoria and Montreal, Canada. He also enjoyed taking the Hill Country back roads on his many motorcycle rides.

Robert was happy when he bought his little camper and took his grandchildren out to the state parks. He was so proud to take them out and to have the conveniences of home with AC, TV, and a microwave for the nightly popcorn. On one of the last spring breaks to Inks Lake, he wanted Andres and Alejandro to do real camping in a tent. The boys helped him set up the tent and they slept all night despite their mother’s nagging that it was too cold. Robert also enjoyed the annual beach trips and fishing trips with the Botello’s and O’Neals. Seeing the grandchildren and all the siblings enjoying themselves out in the water and fishing made him happy.

One of Robert’s biggest joys were his 5 grandchildren. When each baby was born, he would hold them and say that they were a keeper. Popo enjoyed spoiling his huequillos even when his kids asked him not to. He took joy in picking up Andres from school and meeting Kristie to pick him up after middle school. He made sure to bring snacks for both boys or they would be grumpy and mad at him. Popo enjoyed going to see the wild bunch of little Botellos; whether hanging out at Gilbert’s house, playing at the park, watching the kids play soccer and football or just having family time.

We would leave the house and he would say “those kids are wild,” and we would laugh. He was always ready to go back the next weekend.

Sunday breakfast at his Mom’s house was a tradition that he kept until the end. He looked forward to having his Mom’s cooking and talking with his family about what happened during the week. There were always different siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, Tias and his Uncle David each week.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Ray Botello and his in laws, Gilberto and Maria Hernandez. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Romelia "Maya" Botello; his children, Kristie and Gilbert Ray (Katie); his grandchildren, Andres, Alejandro, Bobby, Matthew and Sophia; his mother, Luz Botello; his siblings, Ana Villalobos, Richard (Rosie) Botello, and Stella (John) Saldana; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, Tias and his Uncle David.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. A recitation of the holy rosary will start at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, January 30, 2023 also at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/robert-botello-11117403