News Summary
Bonifacio Roldan, a heroic Army veteran known for his resilience and dedication, passed away at the age of 96. His military service spanned nearly three decades, earning numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Roldan’s legacy lives on through his family, and his contributions to the nation are fondly remembered. A viewing and funeral service will be held to honor his life and service.
San Antonio, Texas – Bonifacio “Sasin” Roldan, a distinguished Army veteran known for his resilience and devoted family life, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on December 7, 1928, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Roldan’s life epitomized service, dedication, and faith.
Roldan was the oldest of six siblings, comprising one brother, Andres, and four sisters: Esther, America, Virginia, and Taty. Throughout his life, he shared a strong bond with his family, which included his late wife, Aida Luz Rodriguez, whom he married in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. They celebrated over fifty years of marriage before her passing.
Roldan dedicated 29 years of his life to the United States Army, where he retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. His military service spanned two major conflicts: the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During the Korean War, he served as a medic with the 65th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the “Borinqueneers.” His bravery under fire earned him a Bronze Star for saving a wounded soldier amid intense enemy mortar fire. Additionally, Roldan was awarded two Purple Hearts due to injuries sustained during combat operations.
In his pursuit of education, Roldan achieved significant milestones, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of the Incarnate Word in 1975 and a Master’s in Public Administration from Oklahoma City University in 1977. After retiring from the Army, he continued to contribute to his nation by working for the United States General Accounting Office (GAO) for 16 years, sharing his expertise in finance and governance.
He is survived by his four children: Perly Navarrete (Marco), Rebecca Matos (Eddie), Lorraine Bonilla (Tony), and Jayson Javier Roldan (Elsa). Roldan’s legacy also includes numerous grandchildren—such as Kristina Mari Garza (Lawrence), Sergio Alejandro Navarrete (Stephanie), and Lisette Gonzalez (Luis)—and great-grandchildren, including Andessa Grace Garza, William Elijah Navarrete, and Divina Rose Bonilla.
Roldan was known for his quiet strength, deep convictions, and his warm laughter, which endeared him to family and friends. He took part in family celebrations, rarely missing significant occasions and consistently showing his love and support for those around him. In addition to his family commitments, Roldan enjoyed watching sports, specifically the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys, and relished outdoor activities such as hunting trips and playing dominoes.
In his later years, Bonifacio Roldan joined the church frequented by much of his family, and was baptized as an expression of his faith. His conversations often reflected his spiritual beliefs, focusing on the importance of developing personal relationships with God.
Bonifacio Roldan’s life was marked by courage, wisdom, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to his values, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew him.
A Viewing will be held on June 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, followed by a Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service is scheduled for June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with burial proceedings at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Bonifacio Roldan Galarza
- Wikipedia: Command Sergeant Major
- Dignity Memorial: Aida Roldan Galarza
- Google Search: Bronze Star
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Purple Heart
- Google News: 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers
- Google Scholar: Gurabo Puerto Rico
- Dignity Memorial: Aida Roldan Galarza
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
