Obituary

In Loving Memory of Rodrigo García de Alba

A Life of Curiosity, Laughter, Courage, and Love

July 11, 2002 – October 27, 2026
Forever 24 Years Young

Rodrigo García de Alba was born on July 11, 2002, in Houston, Texas, and spent most of his life in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. A young man of extraordinary intelligence, endless curiosity, a loving heart, and an unforgettable laugh, Rodrigo touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

From an early age, Rodrigo displayed a remarkable curiosity about the world. An avid reader and independent thinker, he loved exploring complex ideas, analyzing current events, and discussing the political and social challenges facing humanity. He had a unique perspective on life and enjoyed thoughtful conversations that often encouraged those around him to see things differently.

Rodrigo began his education at Primrose School and continued through Gattis Elementary, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School. He later attended St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, where he graduated with a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. His academic accomplishments reflected his intellectual curiosity and his desire to better understand the world and its people.

Following graduation, Rodrigo moved to Nashville, Tennessee, eager to experience life on his own and begin his professional journey. He worked as an Inside Sales Representative while exploring his ambition of becoming a Solutions Architect, a career path inspired in part by his father. Technology had always fascinated Rodrigo, and he was often the family's trusted expert on the latest gadgets, software, and emerging innovations. Yet his father also saw in him the spirit of a writer—an independent thinker with a unique voice and a gift for expressing his thoughts about the world.

Beyond his intelligence and ambitions, Rodrigo had a wonderfully playful personality and a contagious sense of humor. In the García de Alba family, laughter was a treasured part of everyday life. The smallest, most insignificant observation could turn into an elaborate joke or an outrageous story, growing funnier with every retelling. Rodrigo was always ready to contribute his own twist, keeping the laughter alive long after everyone had forgotten what started it. When something truly amused him, he would laugh so hard that he could barely catch his breath, and soon everyone around him would be laughing just as uncontrollably. Those spontaneous moments of silliness and joy became some of the family's most cherished memories.

Rodrigo found happiness in both the extraordinary and the simple pleasures of life. He loved peaceful gatherings outdoors, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face, sharing good food, and spending time with people he cared about. He had an adventurous palate and especially enjoyed bold spices and the diverse flavors of cuisines from around the world.

Rodrigo was an avid reader whose love of books began with adventures such as Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. As he grew older, his curiosity led him to explore complex philosophical works, comparing the ideas of great thinkers and developing his own understanding of the world.

His interests were as diverse as his imagination. He enjoyed collecting Pokémon cards, building Gundam models, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and exploring the world of video games. He also loved chess, even if winning wasn't always his strongest skill.

Family board game nights were another source of cherished memories. Rodrigo loved introducing new games to the family, although his patience was occasionally tested when everyone struggled to understand the rules. What began as a simple game could quickly turn into a lively discussion about how to play, followed by the laughter and playful teasing that were so characteristic of the García de Alba household.

Whether immersed in a philosophical discussion, discovering new technology, or sharing a game with friends and family, Rodrigo brought his intelligence, curiosity, and unmistakable personality to everything he did. Through gaming and his many interests, he built meaningful friendships both in person and online, creating connections that extended well beyond his hometown.

Music was woven into many of Rodrigo's most cherished family memories. His tastes spanned generations and genres, with Frank Ocean among his favorite artists. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver accompanied the family's drives to Nashville, where Rodrigo was beginning a new chapter of his life. He also enjoyed watching Mamma Mia! with his mother and sister, sharing moments of music, laughter, and togetherness. His love of movies extended to classics such as The Godfather, one of his favorites.

Born with a complex congenital heart condition, Rodrigo faced extraordinary medical challenges from the earliest days of his life. His journey included the Fontan procedure and years of specialized medical care. Throughout these experiences, he developed deep admiration and appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who cared for him, forming relationships that went far beyond the walls of a hospital.

Two particularly special people in his life were Dr. Nancy Ayres and Dr. Charles Fraser, whom his family will forever remember as two angels who brought hope during his earliest and most uncertain years. Their dedication, compassion, and care helped give Rodrigo the precious gift of time—a chance to grow, discover the world, pursue his dreams, build friendships, and fill the lives of those around him with love and laughter.

Like anyone facing difficult circumstances, Rodrigo sometimes questioned why his life had been marked by such significant health challenges. Yet as he grew older, he developed a deeper appreciation for each day. He learned to embrace life's experiences, treasure the moments that mattered, and find happiness in the company of those he loved.

When his health began to deteriorate, Rodrigo returned from Nashville to Round Rock to be closer to his family and receive the care he needed. He passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 24, following complications related to his congenital heart condition and Fontan circulation.

Although his life included challenges that few could fully understand, those challenges never defined him. Rodrigo was so much more than his medical journey. He was a beloved son, a brother, a loyal friend, a scholar, a gamer, a music lover, a curious mind, and a free spirit who experienced the world in his own unique way.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his kind and loving heart, his playful humor, and the unmistakable sound of his laughter. He leaves behind countless memories of conversations that challenged the mind, jokes that seemed to have no end, meals shared with loved ones, and quiet afternoons enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Rodrigo is survived by his loving parents, Rodrigo García de Alba and Cecilia Lozano, and his beloved sister, Fernanda García de Alba Lozano.

Above all, Rodrigo cherished the love and connection he shared with his family. Whether through endless laughter, meaningful conversations, favorite songs, or the simplest moments spent together, their bond was one of love, joy, and togetherness. Though his time with them was far too short, the memories they created will remain in their hearts forever.

For his family and friends, Rodrigo's presence will continue to be felt in the music he loved, the stories he shared, the friendships he built, and the laughter that will forever echo in their hearts.

Rooted in Love, Connected by Family, Together Forever.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Rodrigo.