Roger Leal Mata

Roger Leal Mata (aka Rogelio) passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at the age of 76 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on December 4, 1944, he is preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro Mata and Carmen Leal Mata; and his brothers, Alex and Adam, and his sisters, Lucy, Molly, Sarah, and Mary Alice.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Genevie Mata; their daughter, Jennifer R. Mata; his two grandchildren, Nico and Marina; his brothers Gilbert, Robert, and Rueben.

The family will be receiving friends and family on Wednesday, July 14th at St. John Berchman Catholic Church – 1147 Cupples Road 78226 – for a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. A Funeral Procession will depart at the conclusion of the Mass and arrive at Mission Burial Park South – 1700 S.E. Military Drive 78214 – for the Burial. 

Roger was a good man. Everyone who met him knew him to be kind and generous. He loved his wife and he adored his daughter and grandkids. He loved his city of San Antonio, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys. He grew up and lived life on the Westside and Eastside of San Antonio. He loved listening to music, especially Oldies But Goodies and Tejano/Conjunto. Roger worked at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company for over 25 years. He then worked for the San Antonio Independent School District until his retirement in 2009. His roots in Texas go back to one of the founding Tejano Families of San Antonio de Béxar. He is a descendent of the Granado Family from the Canary Islands, a descendent of José María Guerrero, defender of the Alamo, and a descendent of Indigenous people from the area. He was proud of his heritage. 

Roger now rests in peace after a brief battle with lung cancer.