David Roder Jr.

David Roder Jr., age 63, passed away on October 10, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Born on January 18, 1962, in Houston, David spent his life in the city he loved and called home. David’s early education took him through Long Fellow Elementary School, Pershing Junior High School, and Bellaire High School. His passion for learning and technology led him to complete the Microsoft Certification course in Information Management Systems at Rice University. David’s professional journey reflected both dedication and adaptability. He spent 17 years with HiLo Auto Parts, beginning in sales and later transitioning into the IT department where he was instrumental in installing computer systems across store locations. Following HiLo’s acquisition by O’Reilly Auto Parts, David chose a severance package and continued his career at First Data for seven years. He later joined Verizon Wireless at their Houston call center before returning briefly to O'Reilly Auto Parts in a sales role. David retired in August 2010 due to health reasons. In his personal life, David found enduring love and companionship with Maria Maldonado Roder. Their story began decades ago when David met Maria through her brother Rick Maldonado, a lifelong friend of David’s from their time at HiLo. Although they met in the 1980s, it wasn’t until September 2001 that they began dating. After more than twenty years of quiet patience and mutual respect, David and Maria married on his birthday in January 2004. They shared over 21 years of marriage filled with devotion and shared passions. David is survived by his beloved wife Maria Maldonado Roder; his sister Sheri Denise Roder and her husband Richard Zahradnik; and their son Patrick Zahradnik. He is also remembered by his first cousins on his mother’s side: Yvonne Senturia, Susie Senturia, Mariam Senturia, Sam Senturia, Libbie Poppick, John Naman, and the late Arthur Naman—and their families. On Maria’s side of the family, David is remembered by her sisters Martha Garcia, Marguerite Moreno, Madeline Contreras (deceased), Marcela Anghilante; and brothers Tomas Maldonado III (deceased), Desiderio (Fred) Maldonado, Ernesto Maldonado (deceased), Ricardo (Rick) Maldonado, Eduardo (Ed) Maldonado (deceased), and Roberto (Bob) Maldonado—and their families. David was preceded in death by his father David Roder Sr., mother Berenice “Benny” Roder, and maternal grandparents Maurice and Yvonne Dannenbaum. A man of many interests and talents, David had a deep appreciation for fast cars, hunting, auto mechanics, cooking, movies, and especially World War II documentaries. He enjoyed watching the Houston Astros and Texans and was a life-long loyal fan of his hometown teams. He was an avid gardener who grew his own herbs and took pride in harvesting figs each year to create a beloved fig bar recipe. His homemade mint syrup was a staple for refreshing mint tea enjoyed by those close to him. David also had a keen eye for design and served on his neighborhood civic club’s Architectural Control Committee for over ten years. He found joy in cultivating flowering plants—roses, amaryllis, gerber daisies—with Maria in their home gardens. Together they explored Houston’s diverse culinary scene with enthusiasm. Music was another passion for David; he favored the sounds of 1980s rock legends such as Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Elton John, Kiss, ACDC, ZZ Top, Cheryl Crowe, and Fleetwood Mac. Though private about his spirituality, David came from a family with deep roots in Houston’s Jewish community. His family belonged to Beth Israel Synagogue where he was a great-great-great-grandson of the founding rabbi—a legacy that quietly underscored his heritage. With courage and resilience, David faced numerous health challenges over the last 25 years of his life. Through it all he remained kind-hearted, generous, loyal, honest—and above all—patient. When unwell he preferred solitude with Maria by his side but cherished time with family and friends when feeling well. His sense of humor remained intact even during difficult times. David will be remembered for his strength of character and quiet grace. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A private Jewish Graveside Burial Service will be held on October 17, 2025. A Memorial Service with reception to follow will be held on October 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Covenant Church 4949 Caroline St., Houston, TX. Please CLICK HERE https://player.memoryshare.com/video/david-roderjr-houston-tx to view the burial and memorial service livestreams.

David Roder Jr.

January 18, 1962 - October 10, 2025