Obituary of Virgilio G. Roel

Virgilio G. Roel died peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 6, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents Jose Garcia Roel and Josefina Gonzalez Santos; 13 siblings; and son-in-law Tom Skinner.

Virgilio is survived by his loving wife, of 63 years, Emilia Salinas Roel; devoted children, Laura Skinner, Virgil and wife Monica Roel, Diana Iris and husband Joseph Smith, Aida and husband Brendan Coffey, Michelle and husband Cristelo Garza; grandchildren, Kate Skinner and wife Amy Budden, Cristina and husband Josiah Bennett, Angela and husband Tyler Rector, Jose Roel, Sander and wife Priscilla Smith, Travis Smith, Kevin Coffey, Emilia Coffey, Daniel and Cynthia Garza, and Cristelo and Laura Garza; and 11 great grandchildren.

Judge Roel was born in Laredo, Texas on June 2, 1922 and filled his 98 years with several lifetimes’ worth of activities, accomplishments, and significant influences on the world.  He was a proud Army Paratrooper who used the GI bill and graduated magna cum laude from UT Austin in International Relations in 1948. He received his JD from Georgetown law school in 1952.  He devoted his life to providing educational and other opportunities in the service of equality to Mexican American/Latino and other minority citizens. His endeavors were accomplished in the context of service within the federal government and additionally, he devoted his time and energy to other advocacy organizations. He was appointed by President Kennedy to serve as an Associate Justice in American Samoa, before relocating to McLean Virginia where he worked for various federal agencies.  After retiring as a federal Judge, he practiced law and continued to advocate for civil rights as a consultant. In 1991 he and Emilia returned to Texas, to retire in Austin.

Although he was immensely proud of each and every one of his children, and offspring, the love of his life and focus of his energies was his beloved wife, Emilia.  After retiring, they enjoyed international travel and took many fun trips to Las Vegas, even as recently as February of this year.

He will be deeply missed and leaves a wonderful legacy for those who benefited from his lifelong vocations, as well as those who knew and love him. 

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2020, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5455 Bee Cave Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746. Mass of Cristian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2020, also at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Interment for family members only, to follow at Assumption Cemetery.

Those wishing to make charitable donations in his memory are invited to make donations to the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, UT Law Scholarship Fund, or School of Nursing/ Non-endowed Student Scholarships;  When making a donation in the comment box include that the gift is to support Hispanic American students in memory of Virgilio G. Roel.

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services.

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.

Services will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side