Charles Anthony Elizondo
September 20, 1957 ~ July 22, 2026
Born in:
San Antonio, Texas
Resided in:
San Antonio, Texas
With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Charles Anthony Elizondo. On July 22, 2026, at the age of 68, his spirit and energy returned to the universe, as he believed all things eventually do. Charles was born on September 20, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas, where his life’s journey began and where he built a legacy of knowledge, service, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Charles was a man of intelligence. His curiosity and passion for culture and science enriched not only his own life but the lives of those around him. He was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978 with the goal of becoming a pilot, and later an astronaut. His poor eyesight posed a barrier to this goal, and he left in 1980. He went on to be admitted to the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. He attended from 1980 to 1984, ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He often used this as an example to teach his children that it is okay to change paths. He would often tell them that having a degree is more important than what the degree is in. He believed that education was one of life’s greatest gifts and would often tell his children that knowledge is the only thing that someone cannot take away. His love for science and discovery was evident in the countless lessons he shared. He would have many philosophical discussions with his son on the origins and purpose of life, as well as the afterlife. He supported an early interest in science with his daughter, taking her to Analytical Scientific in San Antonio to pick out a telescope so they could look at the moon, stars, and planets together on summer nights. He would take her to the planetarium and watch the Science Channel with her at home, leading to her having far more anxiety about the threat of black holes than a child should have. On his days off, there was a 70% chance that he was at home watching Ancient Aliens.
Charles was known as a hardworking and selfless man whose tireless work ethic inspired everyone who knew him. Throughout his career in the car business, Charles became a trusted source of wisdom and expertise. People looked to him for advice and guidance, which he freely shared. In recent years he also became involved in the real estate business, where he made many wonderful friends. Whether as a father or stepfather, he took great pride in providing for those he loved. He taught his kids fishing knots that they still use to this day. His children spent many beautiful summer days with him, swimming at the Canyon Dam, getting pizza and shaved ice or picking up fresh peaches in Kerrville. He made it a priority to create cherished memories with his family and was expressive with his love and affection, always letting his children know how loved they were and how proud he was of them. His wisdom, kindness, generosity, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Charles is reunited in spirit with his parents, Jose “Jesse” De Jesus Elizondo and Celia Soliz Elizondo; his beloved son, Charles Nicholas Elizondo; and his brother, James Edward “Jim” Elizondo.
His love and legacy continue through his adoring daughter, Chelsea Lessing; his siblings, Marie Reed, Jesse Elizondo, Linda Phares, Xavier Elizondo, and Lizz Postel; along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, and his beloved “granddogger,” Ellie, who brought him endless joy and laughter. He spoiled her with lots of toys and treats.
Charles will be remembered as a devoted father, loving brother, loyal friend, and a man whose intellect, kindness, quiet resilience, compassion, and selfless spirit touched countless lives.
Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, his love, curiosity, and wisdom live on in those whose lives he touched.
“In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound forever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
“Daddy, I love you more than two universes put together and even more than that.”— Chelsea
The family kindly invites all who attend to honor and celebrate their loved one’s life by dressing in casual attire. In tribute to their love for the University of Texas, guests are especially encouraged to wear University of Texas apparel or burnt orange clothing if they wish. Your presence and shared memories will be the greatest tribute of all.
Services
Visitation: August 3, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Room: Stateroom
MeadowLawn Funeral Home
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States
78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com
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I worked with Charles at Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge for 12 years. What a “Good Man”, and a hard worker.
My Condolences to the Elizondo Family during this time.
May God Bless you all….
July 30, 2026 THURSDAY 2:19 pm Eastern
Our dear friend (of 46 years), and former roommate, Charles Anthony Elizondo…has passed on July 22, 2026
Although many members of his wonderful family called him “Tony”, we called him “Charlie” and also “Chucky E.” He often humorously referred to himself as “Chucky Cheese.”
Just one illustration of many…of that wonderful sense of humor.
Many of his friends, coworkers, and family will say that:
“He was a great man.”,
“He was the hardest working and most dedicated man at work…ever.”, and
“He was a loving and devoted father.”
Oh yes. He was all of that. But much more. So much more.
Charlie, the embodiment of “OOAK”… ONE of a KIND. He was cultured and smooth; the epitome of class and sophistication.
He had such a positive presence and demeanor. Yes, he loved the Car Business, and was a huge success in it. It was his gift.
But I know if he had ever run for political office, people would have elected him.
But he had depth of emotions, too! He loved Carly Simon and her music. Her song about “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” meant alot to him.
“The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again
I believe in love
And who knows where or when
But it’s comin’ around again.”
He also was a huge fan of Kirsten Dunst. So when he heard that she was in a movie with Orlando Bloom called “Elizabethtown”, he made sure to watch it.
Charlie felt that this was one of the best movies ever made, and wanted us to check it out, too. Now at the time, this movie was getting absolutely horrible reviews, so we didn’t get to it real quick. But Charlie got us the DVD and made sure we saw it. And you know what? Chucky was right on; the critics were way way off… “Elizabethtown” truly touched the heart.
He was kind, generous, calm and laid back. Muy Tranquilo. And in his youth, very athletic!
1980: A while after he has just returned from the Naval Academy, we went for a run together. I was in great shape, but at that moment he seemed like the fastest man on the planet. He sprinted past me like he was riding in a car. And his run that day just seemed so effortless. Didn’t break a sweat. Impressive.
I remember playing touch football with Charlie and his brothers (Xavier, et al) at this great field in a deserted park in San Antonio. It was deserted because the temp was pushing 100 degrees. We would have probably stayed there the whole day, (and gotten heat exhaustion) except that the police showed up and told us “they didn’t want us to play there.” So we had to leave a park where there was nobody else around for miles. I was about to …uh…”address our opinion on that situation”, but Chucky the cooler head, prevailed said, “Hey, let’s just go home and go to the pool.” Good advice.
During this time “home” for both of us was The Brook Apartments on 10362 Sahara (?), off San Pedro. (They might be called “the Palatia” today.) Charlie, home from the Academy, lived there with his brother Jesse. I think I remember that Charlie said he had a sister who lived there for a while, also. Charlie and I believed this Brook Apartment complex was HAUNTED. Lots of unexplained other-worldly happenings. Years later, The University of Texas Alumni magazine “The Alcalde” interviewed both of us regarding the spooky events at the Brook, and we made the September-October 1987 Halloween issue of the magazine. Jesse, Charlie, and I had lots of intriguing and rivetting discussions about this downright scary place oft times during one of Jesse’s and Charlie’s fantastic steak cookouts.
Funny thing, though: Chucky and I both went to Judson High School AND The Univesity of Texas. And even though we were only 2 class years apart (Judson 1974 and Judson 1976), due to Chucky’s later arrival at Judson, and his time at the Naval Academy, we were never in either school at the same time.
We only met because a very sweet girl in Chucky’s 1976 class, Valerie (Nee Jones) Reynolds had married another buddy of mine (also a Judson 1974 alum) Jay Reynolds, and they introduced us.
The LORD works in mysterious ways.
And because of that chance meeting with Jay and Valerie,
and because Charlie shortly moved to Austin to go to UT, and got an apartment at Kingsgate off Oltorf.
And because when I was headed up I35 to go to Dallas, and stopped off to say “good-bye” to Charlie on the way,
And because he said, “No, don’t go to Dallas, look for work here in Austin, and be my roommate.”
And because I took him up on his very generous offer:
Events transpired that led to me to meeting my wife Susan, and also me introducing a co-worker to yet another of my roommates; co-worker became his wife and the mother of his children.
We are sure that this is only ONE of the monumental impacts that Charles Anthony Elizondo has had on this big blue marble.
He truly left it better than he found it.
Thanks for being YOU, CHUCKY. We look forward to a glorious reunion on the other side.
But not right away, if that’s okay!
Kevin Michael and Susan Beasley
Charlie and I were roommates at the Naval Academy youngster year. He took me to his sponsers in the spring and they eventually adopted me as my sponsers had moved to a new duty assignment after our plebe year. I was just thinking about him the other day and wondering if he was still close by as I live in Austin. I guess it is more than coincidence that sometimes the universe talks back if we listen. I really enjoyed reading about the man he was and his legacy. All those characteristics were very evident the academic year we were together and it is very heart warming to know he lived a meaningful and impactful life. I only wish I had looked him up again years ago. Fair winds and following seas my old friend. ’82 USNA