He is preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, and five half-siblings.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years: Mary Rodriguez; sons Jesse Rodriguez (Hortencia) and Patrick De La Rosa; grandchildren: Emilio, Phillip, Jesse Albert, Ethan, Edyn, and Emma; sister: Susie, and numerous other family members and friends.
Master Sergeant (Retired) De La Rosa served 26 years in United States Air Force. A year later, after graduating from Crystal City High School, on October 18th, 1962, Alberto enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Information Management Technician. While stationed at Randolph Brooks on September 26, 1965, he married Mary in San Marcos, TX. Then in 1967, he deployed to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in support of combat operations in the Vietnam War while assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing Wolf-Pack. After returning from the Vietnam War in 1968, Master Sergeant (Ret.) De La Rosa was stationed at Webb AFB, Texas, and later Randolph Brooks AFB, Texas. In 1970, Alberto was discharged from the Air Force. Later in 1973, he returned to active duty. He and his family were stationed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Kelly AFB; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; and Kelly AFB, Texas, until retiring in 1991. Master Sergeant (Ret.) De La Rosa’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf), Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (1 Oak Leaf), Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6 Oak Leafs), National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force NCO Professional Military Educations Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device.
Outside of his career, Alberto had a strong faith in God and spent time serving the Lord in numerous ministries from a Eucharistic Minister to an Usher for Pope John Paul II’s visit to San Antonio, TX. Alberto was also a family man who loved taking pictures of his family, especially his grandchildren’s laughter.
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Alberto De La Rosa fought the good fight, never lost faith, and finished his race strong. He will hear his heavenly Father say to him, “Well done My faithful servant.”
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