Sergio Mario Molina

He was born in Cement City, Texas December 1, 1931, the sixth son of nine children by the late Trinidad and Mercedes (Navarro) Molina. Mario attended Crozier Technical High School before volunteering to join the United States Navy where he served on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) during the Korean War before being honorably discharged. He also attended Arlington State College after discharge from the service.

On November 21, 1956 he married Angelica Maria Rodriguez at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Dallas. Mario worked in the architectural design and construction industry before fulfilling his lifelong dream of opening his own business. Throughout the years of his career he had the pleasure of designing and building while employing and mentoring family members.

Mario always found time to be active in his community and church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, charter member of the Marian Cavaliers of Mary Immaculate and volunteered for many causes at Holy Family, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas More Catholic churches and many organizations supporting his children’s schools. His commitment to give back to those less fortunate than him was displayed during his last days as an active volunteer and friend in support of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease through the New Adventures program in Austin.

His family and friends were a driving force in Mario’s life. He maintained high expectations of a strong work ethic from his family and had a big heart to match. His beloved wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were a source of great pride and companionship. He warmly welcomed many of their friends into his large extended family. He and Angie’s annual Christmas celebrations at his home were legendary. Behind his quiet demeanor, his smile and sense of humor were contagious. Mario’s giving spirit to being part of something bigger than himself and devotion to his church, country, family and friends were the cornerstones of his life.

Mario displayed a passion to actively support the many events of his six children and fourteen grandchildren. Whether he was driving, coaching, camping, cooking or fundraising he was committed to lead or serve in any role to help the team succeed. He was ever present in the stands for their Friday night football games sporting his signature black colors.

Mario is survived by his beloved wife Angelica Molina, children Monica and Hank Korman of Austin, Marco and Vicki Molina of Cypress, Michael and Angie Molina of Lubbock, Marty and Lorey Molina of Austin and Matthew and Erin Molina of West Point, MS. He is the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren, Bryan and wife Kalie, Lauren, Katie, Kevin, Alynn and husband Sergio, Ralph, Rebecca, Greyson, Griffan, Grace, Roman, Cannon, Nora and Mamie. He has 5 great grandchildren Evelyn, Elliot, Kayla, Maddox and Layla. He is further survived by his brother Tony Molina, sisters Alice Gutierrez, Ninfa Leos, Molly Leanos, Sister Carmen Molina and Mercy McGee.

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In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother Oswaldo Molina, son Mario S. Molina II and granddaughter Stephanie Whited.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Catholic Church, 861 Wildwood Lane, Grapevine, Texas at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 24th with Reverend Father Arturo Molina presiding. A graveside service will take place afterward at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23rd at the Calvary Hill funeral home from 4:00 to 6:00 pm followed by a rosary service at 6:00 pm.

Thank you to all our wonderful relatives and friends who have touched us with prayers and good wishes. We are so appreciative to have had such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, in-law, uncle, brother and friend such as Mario in our lives. His spirit and memory will be cherished throughout our lives. Donations may be made to his favorite charities: The New Adventures Respite Program – Alzheimer’s Research at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 North FM 620, Austin, Texas 78726 or honorflightaustin.org.

In his words:

“Really and truly, remember family is first, life is life, family is family, be patient, be better than me and take care of your mother … I love you”.

“I will see you in Heaven”