Robert Joe "Bobby" Basaldú

Robert Joe Basaldú, affectionately known as "Bobby", 77, of Brownsville, TX, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, entered into eternal rest on April 7, 2025, at Harlingen Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 26, 1947, to parents Raul C. Basaldú and Celia Garza.

Robert grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from W.B. Ray High School. His commitment to education continued as he graduated from Del Mar College, earned a BA in Psychology/Sociology from Texas A&I in Kingsville, TX, and completed a BS in Criminal Justice from Pan American University in Edinburg, TX.

Robert dedicated 43 remarkable years of service in law enforcement, beginning in 1973. His passion for his work was unwavering until the very end-even in his final days, he told his wife that he would need to ask to work from home when he was discharged. His distinguished career included:

Brownsville Police Department – Served in multiple roles including patrol officer, Internal Affairs investigator, Narcotics officer, and Personnel Director representing the City of Brownsville.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms – Worked as an Agent in Los Angeles, CA.

State Bar of Texas – Served as an Investigator.

District Attorney's Offices – Worked as a Criminal Investigator with both the Hidalgo County and Cameron County District Attorney's Offices.

Commander – Led the District Attorney's Unified Narcotics Intelligence Task Force.

Office of the Attorney General of Texas – Served as a Field Investigator.

Federal Bureau of Investigation – Task Force Officer with Cameron County, assigned to the Brownsville Office of the San Antonio Division.

Cameron County Sheriff's Office – Served in an Administrative Role Robert was recognized for his many years of distinguished service in law enforcement, his selfless efforts to protect and serve the American people, his professionalism and his dedication to duty throughout his remarkable career.

Upon his first retirement from the Cameron County District Attorney's Office, he was honored for 23 years of service to the citizens of Cameron County and over 43 years of service as a Texas Peace Officer.

Among his many accomplishments were:

Federal Bureau of Investigation Top Secret Clearance

Completion of Federal Law Enforcement Analyst Training at Quantico

Information Security Awareness Training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation

1800 Training hours with the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Licensed Texas Peace Officer with a Master Peace Officer's Certificate

Robert was a man of many interests outside his professional life. He loved Frank Sinatra and enjoyed listening to music. He cherished time spent with his family, particularly enjoying moments hanging by the grill with his brother and sitting on the porch in the fresh air. A man of faith, he devoted himself to daily prayer.

Those who knew Robert remember him as a great man who brought honor to the badge. Colleagues and friends have shared:

"In all my years, I learned the most from Bob"

"Bob was an absolute gem, a true gentleman and I am honored to have gotten to know him"

"He was a Law Giant"

"He brought honor to the Badge"

"We love Bob, We love Bob"

Robert was known for being a good sport among his peers and colleagues. His favorite verse and prayer for his fellow colleagues was:

"The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" (Numbers 6: 24-26)

Family

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raul C Basaldú and Celia Garza, and his brother, Raul Basaldú

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Irma Diane Basaldú; his children: daughter Diana Lisa Basaldú, son Robert Christopher Basaldú, daughter Larissa Michelle Sarantakos (spouse Mike), son Robert Joseph Basaldú, and daughter Celina Michelle Basaldú; his grandchildren: Lauren Alissa Barela (spouse Jeremy), Madeline Paige Nielsen (spouse Cole), Cameron Jay Lopez, Jordan Elisse Lopez, Jason Ariel Nunez, and great-grandson Luke James Nielsen; his brother, Richard J Basaldú (spouse Sylvia); and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.