Robert Alaniz, MBA '75

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Robert Alaniz, MBA '75, passed away at home in Long Beach, California, on March 15. He was 83.

Born June 6, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, and a graduate of Breckinridge High School in San Antonio, Alaniz received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M. He served his country in the United States Navy, then spend the remainder of his career working for the Boeing Company.

Alaniz was an active member of St. Matthew’s Parish with a particular passion for the Peace & Justice Committee. In 2002, he suggested starting a weekly Rosary against the war in Iraq; it continued until COVID-19 put a stop to all parish activities. In 2004, Alaniz volunteered to help with the monthly collection for Catholic Charities at all masses and did so for over ten years. A proud Bruin and a longtime supporter of UCLA football, the only interruption to his volunteer work came when his beloved team was playing a football game at home.

Alaniz was dedicated to helping those in need, collecting thousands of dollars for Catholic Charities. He not only went to the bank to convert the cash to a money order, he also loaded up his car with the food collection and delivered it to Catholic Charities. In 2005, he helped to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Peace & Justice Committee and was known as the “silent force” behind the committee.
For years, Alaniz delivered communion to the sick in nearby convalescent homes, prompting some of the patients referred to him as “Father Alaniz.” He tried to correct them, but it didn’t last long: the next week he was back to being “Father Alaniz.”

With his infectious laugh, when something tickled him, he would have everyone around him giggling. A warm and caring man, he was a great asset to the Peace & Justice Committee and to St. Matthew’s Parish Community, and will be greatly missed.