Alfredo "Freddy"

Gerusa Elizondo

In Loving Memory Of

Alfredo "Freddy" Gerusa Elizondo

September 17, 1951 - September 5, 2025

Alfredo "Freddy" Gerusa Elizondo, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, September 5, 2025, at Harlingen Medical Center, surrounded by his beloved family. A lifelong resident of Harlingen, Freddy was the pillar of the Elizondo family and now gone to his eternal resting place.

Freddy was born on September 17, 1951, in San Benito, Texas, to Alfredo Alberto Elizondo and Bertha Gerusa Elizondo. He was raised and grew up in Los Indios, attended San Benito public schools, and graduated from San Benito High School with the Class of 1969.

It was the summer of 1968 that he met the love of his life, Margaret "Margie" Elizondo. He was captivated by her beauty and instantly fell in love with her. The two married in August of 1971 and built a beautiful life together for 52 years, raising five children, welcoming 14 grandchildren, and cherishing two great-granddaughters.

Freddy pursued his degree in Mortuary Science at Commonwealth College in Houston, Texas, and went on to dedicate more than 50 years of his life to serving the families of his community as a funeral director and embalmer. His work was never just a profession, it was his passion, his ministry, and his superpower. With compassion in his heart and strength in his hands, he walked alongside countless families in their darkest hours, offering dignity, comfort, and care when they needed it most. His gift was making others feel seen, worthy, supported, and never alone.

Together with his son, Lenny, he built Trinity Funeral Chapels, which became far more than a business; it became a place of refuge, hope, and healing. For our dad, it was always about the people. He gave everything he had to his community, and in return, the community trusted him with their most sacred moments. His legacy is one of resilience, selfless service, and love for both family and neighbor.

Our dad had a true servant's heart. He loved the people of this community deeply, and his greatest goal was to leave everyone he met better than he found them. Sometimes that was with a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement, or the wisdom he so freely shared. He was a true humanitarian, always putting others first, meeting people with compassion, and giving of himself in ways big and small. He cared not just for his family, but for neighbors, friends, and even strangers, touching countless lives with kindness and generosity.

A gifted athlete and proud alumnus of San Benito High School, Freddy was OUR All-American. He played for the San Benito Greyhounds, his love for the game never left him, and he carried that same passion into golf, finding joy and friendship among his neighbors and the Pan American Golf Association family. A true hometown hero, Freddy loved Harlingen, San Benito, Los Indios, and the entire Rio Grande Valley, and the people of these communities loved him right back.

Freddy proudly served his community as a civil servant. He was an active and past member for the Harlingen Dawn Breakers Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club of San Benito, Rotary Club, Pan American Golf Association (PAGA), Knights of Columbus, President of the Order of the Alhambra Toro Caravan #271, Texas Workforce Commission, HISSO-Hispanic Information Social Services Organization, Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Harlingen Quarterback Club, Volunteer Coach for Harlingen Youth Football League, Volunteer Coach for Harlingen Texas Bronco League, Boy Scouts of America, James Bowie Elementary PTA, Harlingen Boys & Girls Club, and San Benito Boys & Girls Club.

At his core, Freddy was a giver. He would not hesitate to part with his last dollar if someone was in need. He adored his wife, Margie, and poured his love unconditionally into his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Above all, he was a man of unwavering faith who loved Jesus Christ and lived by the simple but powerful belief that "we do things because they're the right thing to do." He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring we never went without, and he did so with humility, grace, and endless love. Our father loved all his family deeply and only wanted the best for us. He did not tolerate laziness or excuses and only expected our best. He wanted us to have more than he did and exceed his accomplishments and successfulness. Our father always taught and told us, "To live by our word and always follow through." He would always say "Mi palabra es mi palabra" "My word is my word," and he lived by that everyday of his life.

Freddy's memory will live on in every life he touched and in the countless lessons he so gently instilled faith, hard work, perseverance, gratitude and above all, love without condition. To his children, he will always be their first hero, their steady protector, their greatest teacher, and the best man they have ever known. His grandchildren and great-granddaughters will grow up carrying the light of his love, hearing stories of his strength, kindness, humor, and knowing that their Grandpa's legacy runs through them. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing his spirit is forever woven into the fabric of our family, guiding us, protecting us, and reminding us every day what it means to live with generosity, courage, and love.

Freddy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret "Margie" Elizondo; his father, Alfredo "Fred" Alberto Elizondo; his mother, Bertha Gerusa Elizondo; his grandson, Sebastian Maxim Rodriguez; his niece, Zarinna Jade Elizondo; aunts, Elvira Garza, Alice Chavez, Mary Lou Reid, Beatrice Garza, Helen Mangenello, Angela Gerusa Leal, & Dora Reinbolt; uncles, Jose Maria Elizondo, Guillermo Elizondo, Candelario Elizondo, Jr. & Rodolfo Gerusa, and his sister-in-law, Manuela "Chata" Mejia.

Freddy leaves behind his loving family to cherish his beautiful and wonderful memory, his five children, Alfredo Rolando "Roli" (Jennifer) Elizondo, Orlando Alberto "Lenny" (April) Elizondo, Margaret Lleanna Elizondo, Gleida Denise Elizondo, and Kayla Margot (Benjamin) Mendoza; 14 grandchildren, Alfredo David (Adrianna) , Aubrey Roland, and Avery Lauren Elizondo; Orlando Samuel "Sammy," Dylan Michael, Dathan Miles, and Derek Matthew Elizondo; Katalina Pilar Rodriguez; Vivian Denise Cuellar-Elizondo, Devin Matthew, and Austin Julian (Camrynn) Alvarez; Benjamin Andres and Kamila Milan Mendoza; and two great-granddaughters, Luna Estelle Alvarez and Rosalie Amaya Elizondo. He is also survived by his only brother, Joe John (Consuelo) Elizondo; nephews Zack and Zarek Elizondo; aunts, Josephine Marquez & Stella Garcia; uncle, Ismael "Smiley" Elizondo, numerous extended family members, and his dear beloved friend, Martha Galarza. Freddy was a wonderful, loving, and devoted father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, & friend who will be FOREVER loved & NEVER forgotten.

Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, our father's legacy is etched forever in the family he so deeply loved, the communities he faithfully served, and the steadfast faith that guided his every step. He taught us to see the beauty in life, to find strength in the face of hardship, and to hold tight to the love that binds us together. While our hearts ache in his absence, we find solace in knowing he is now in Heaven, reunited with our beloved mother, Margie. Together again, they watch over us, and their love will forever be our guiding light and we carry his light forward living as he lived, giving as he gave, and loving as he loved.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025,.at Trinity Funeral Chapel of the Holy Spirit, where the family will begin receiving guests from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Celebration of Life and eulogy will begin at 5:00 p.m. Mariachi Imperial will play a tribute starting at 6:00 p.m., and a prayer of the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral procession will depart Trinity Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The Mass will be officiated by celebrants Father Tom Pincelli, Father Msgr. Pedro Briseño, and Father Horacio Chavarría.

Interment will follow to his family cemetery, Las Rusias Cemetery in Los Indios, Texas where Mariachi Caballero will play tribute to him.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Freddy's beloved grandsons, David & Aubrey Elizondo; Sam, Dylan, Dathan, & Derek Elizondo; Devin & Austin Alvarez, and his son-in-law, Benjamin Mendoza.

Serving as his honorary pallbearers will be his grandson, Benjamin Andres Mendoza, and his nephews, Zack & Zarek Elizondo.

The Elizondo family would like to extend a special thank you to the Eucharistic Ministry of St. Anthony Catholic Church, to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff of Harlingen Medical Center, The Heart Clinic, Dr. Luis Reynoso, Dr. Usman Sheriff, and to all the dear friends and family who called, visited, prayed, and offered support during this difficult time. Your kindness, love, and outpouring of condolences have brought comfort to our hearts. We will forever remember and cherish each of you.

With profound love and remembrance, the family of Alfredo Freddy" Gerusa Elizondo have entrusted his funeral arrangements to his son, Lenny Elizondo, funeral director/owner of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550. You may contact us at (956)364-2444 or visit us at www.trinityfunerals.com