Tributes pour in for affordable housing champion Bobby Calvillo

MCALLEN, Texas – Elva M. Cerda, director of the McAllen Heritage Center, has paid tribute to Bobby Calvillo, the CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas who passed away at the age of 62 on Monday, May 19, 2025. 

Cerda was a board member and chairwoman of Affordable Homes of South Texas for many years. She described Calvillo was a “champion CEO, smart, and steady. A wonderful man.” Cerda shared her memories of Calvillo in this video interview:

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Affordable Homes of South Texas

Affordable Homes of South Texas broke the news of Calvillo’s passing on social media. 

“With a heavy heart, we share the loss of our beloved CEO, Bobby Calvillo, who has joined our Lord and Savior. Bobby wasn’t just a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for all of us. His heart, filled with compassion and unwavering dedication to our community, touched so many lives.

“Though our hearts are broken, we promise to carry on his work and continue to serve the families and the people he cared for so deeply. 

“Bobby’s legacy will live on in every life we touch, in every home we help create, and in the spirit of community that he built.

We will keep sailing this ship, with his memory as our guiding star. Rest in peace, Bobby. You will forever be in our hearts.”

NeighborWorks

Madelyn Lazorchak, senior communications writer for NeighborWorks, penned a profile of Calvillo on April 1 soon after he had been named 2025 NeighborWorks Founders Award. Click here to read it. 

Following the news of his death, NeighborWorks said:

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Calvillo, president and CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI). Bobby was not only a dedicated leader in our network but also a truly remarkable human being, visionary, kind, humble, and generous.

“Through his leadership at AHSTI, Bobby helped thousands of Texans achieve the dream of homeownership, building stronger families and communities in the process. His legacy lives on in every home, every family, and every life his work touched.

“We are deeply grateful that we were able to honor Bobby earlier this year at the NeighborWorks Executive Symposium, where he was a recipient of the 2025 NeighborWorks Founders’ Award. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work embodied the spirit of our mission.

“Before receiving the award, Calvillo told us how much he valued relationships with his clients, with government workers and funders, and especially with his staff. “The relationships are important for the organization and for me,” he said. “These people become friends. It’s easier to come to work when you’re working with friends.”

“Please keep Bobby’s family and the AHSTI board and staff in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The Speedy Memorial Foundation

The Speedy Memorial Foundation described Calvillo has a community leader, visionary, and friend. 

“His work was instrumental in helping countless families achieve the American dream of homeownership. His dedication and vision also led to the creation of Speedy Trails Subdivision in Mission, TX—a lasting tribute to our hero, Speedy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

McAllen Economic Development Corporation

McAllen Economic Development Corporation said it was “deeply saddened” by Calvillo’s passing.

“His legacy is one of service, integrity, and impact. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire AHSTI team,” MEDC said.

McAllen Heritage Center

McAllen Heritage Center said the Rio Grande Valley has lost a “champion in his field.” The group said:

“We share the sad news of the passing of another great leader in McAllen and our Region, Robert “Bobby” Calvillo.  We have lost a champion in his field of affordable housing and just a good man and friend to many.  Our deepest condolences and prayers to his beautiful wife, Carmen and his daughter, Marina, who was his pride and joy as well as all his family and friends.  Rest in peace faithful servant.”

Habitat For Humanity RGV

Habitat For Humanity-RGV also commented on Calvillo’s passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bobby Calvillo, CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas and a longstanding friend of Habitat for Humanity of the RGV and its mission. His tireless work in advancing affordable housing has left an enduring legacy. We will forever be grateful for his leadership and commitment to our community. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” the group said.

Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bobby Calvillo—a leader and true servant of our community. His dedication to uplifting families and building a better future will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us,” Rio Grande City EDC said.

Starr County Industrial Foundation

“Our deepest condolences to the Calvillo and AHSTI families during this difficult time,” said Starr County Industrial Foundation. “We remember and honor a good friend of the SCIF, who was a big believer in the potential of our Starr County community. His dedication and vision touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire those who carry his work forward.”

Michael Seifert

“An extraordinary human being whose generosity and kindness were boundless,” said community activist Michael Seifert.

Amigos Del Valle

“Our deepest condolences to the AHSTI family and the Calvillo family. Mr. Calvillo was a great friend to Amigos Del Valle and he will be missed. May he rest in peace,” said Amigos Del Valle.

Maria Leonard

“Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Calvillo and AHSTI families. Bobby was an amazing human being. Our community has lost a caring leader whose hard work and dedication impacted so many lives. He will be missed but his legacy will live on,” said UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Maria Leonard

Omar Rodriguez

“Deepest condolences to the Calvillo family and the AHSTI family. What a great loss for our community,” said Omar Rodriguez, a director of Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.

Jaime Longoria

“My condolences to his family and friends. South Texas has lost a true warrior and champion for vulnerable people everywhere. RIP dear friend and colleague,” said Jaime Longoria, director of Hidalgo County’s Community Service Agency.

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