Josue "Joe" Robles Jr., the former CEO of USAA, passed away at the age of 78. Under his leadership, USAA became an inclusive platform for all honorably discharged military personnel and their family members, heightening its footprint in both the veteran community and the banking industry. Innovatively, USAA broke new ground in mobile banking during Robles' tenure, including the introduction of mobile check deposits—a first for the sector.
Wayne Peacock, USAA President and CEO, remembered Robles in an email communicated to employees, acknowledging his deep understanding of military life derived from his own nearly thirty years of commendable Army service—a tenure that included multiple deployments and numerous honors. According to San Antonio Report, Peacock said, "Joe's experience as an enlisted soldier gave him unique insight into the needs of the military community and their families."
Eileen Collins, a retired NASA astronaut and Air Force colonel who once served on USAA's board, echoed these sentiments, attesting, "It's not often that people loved their CEO, but people loved Joe," as per an interview with the San Antonio Report. Robles' legacy in the company includes an auditorium named in his honor, serving as a permanent reminder of his impact.
Though not disclosed, Robles' cause of death may be related to his struggle with Parkinson's disease, a condition he publicly declared in 2019 after being diagnosed post-retirement. He chose to divulge his diagnosis with the hopes of aiding others, as he had once said to a gathering at a rehabilitation hospital. Henry Cisneros, former San Antonio mayor, admired Robles' embodiment of the American dream, an ascent that Cisneros thought to be virtually impossible elsewhere, the San Antonio Report conveyed.
Robles, a figure recognized for his military and organizational prowess, was also deeply committed to community endeavors. He held several directorships, including positions with the San Antonio branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and local educational foundations. His work extended into veteran affairs and public projects like the successful campaign for the improvement of San Antonio's infrastructure, as recounted by retired Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who was personally thankful for Robles' support.
Joe Robles, who hailed from a background of humble origins to achieve distinguished military and business achievements, began his life in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. His family's move to Ohio set the stage for an unwavering commitment to education, a resolve fortified by his father's steel mill labor and his own brief tenure in a similarly grueling industrial environment. As noted by the San Antonio Report, Robles credited these experiences with instilling in him the value of education and the pursuit of a life that offered him a breadth of choices, ultimately leading to notable service in the Army and groundbreaking leadership at USAA.
Robles is survived by his wife Patty, and their children Melissa, Andrew, and Christopher—the latter profoundly shaping his understanding and compassion for people with special needs. His passing is felt keenly by many, as San Antonio's former mayor Phil Hardberger stated, "I’m glad I knew him, and I'm glad he lived and worked in San Antonio."
