If you’ve driven anywhere near San Antonio in the last fifty years, you’ve seen the name. It’s plastered on the back of thousands of cars. It’s on massive billboards along the I-10 corridor. Ernesto Ancira Jr. is more than just a car dealer; he’s a piece of the city’s architectural history. But lately, with the rise of his daughter April Ancira as the face of the brand, people have started whispering. Is Ernesto Ancira still alive? Did he retire to a beach in Mexico, or is he still the one pulling the strings behind that massive automotive empire?
Let’s clear the air immediately. Ernesto Ancira Jr. is very much alive. In fact, as recently as October 2025, he was seen in high spirits at the TMI Episcopal Entrepreneur & Innovation Award Luncheon. He wasn't just a guest; he was the guest of honor. He’s 81 years old now, but if you saw him at the Witte Museum that day, you’d see a man who still has that same spark that allowed him to build a business from a single Chevy store back in the early '70s.
The Confusion with Ernesto Ancira Sr.
Part of why people get confused is the name itself. Ernesto Ancira Sr.—the father of the local mogul—passed away on January 25, 2008. He was 85. He was a self-made man who moved the family to Mexico City when Ernesto Jr. was just a toddler. When you Google "Ernesto Ancira death," the records for the elder Ancira often pop up first.
It’s easy to see how the wires get crossed.
But Ernesto Jr. is still the Chairman and CEO of Ancira Enterprises. He isn't some ghost in the machine. He’s still very active in the San Antonio business community, even if he’s happy to let April handle the TV commercials these days.
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From Mexico City to the Top of the Hill
To understand why people care if he’s still around, you have to look at what he did. It’s a classic "jump off a cliff and build wings" story. Honestly, the guy is a legend for a reason.
He didn't start with a silver spoon. He worked for Gillette. He worked for Kimberly-Clark. He was doing the corporate grind in Mexico City after graduating from St. Edward’s University in Austin. But then he heard about a struggling Chevy dealership in downtown San Antonio. It was 1971.
He sold everything. He scraped together every cent for a down payment. He was one of the first Hispanic Americans to ever own a major dealership in the U.S. Think about the guts that took in the early 70s.
It wasn't an overnight win. He has often told stories about how local competitors like Pop Gunn and Jimmy Cavendar actually helped him out. They gave him advice. They wanted him to succeed. That kind of old-school San Antonio camaraderie is basically gone now, but it’s the foundation of the Ancira brand.
Where is Ernesto Ancira Jr. now?
He’s mostly focusing on the "big picture" stuff. He’s a golfer. A big one. He was actually a key player in bringing the Seniors Tournament to San Antonio and has been a massive supporter of the Valero Texas Open.
If you want to find him, look toward the community projects. He’s spent decades working with the United Way and various health-related agencies. He and his wife, Robin, are basically the "first couple" of San Antonio philanthropy.
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- He still lives in the San Antonio area.
- He remains the CEO of Ancira Enterprises.
- He is frequently spotted at local charity events and business luncheons.
- He is enjoying his "grandfather" era, often appearing with his grandkids, Gunnar and Hope, in family-focused community spots.
The Legacy Continues
The business is massive now. We’re talking 13 brands, 12 dealerships in San Antonio, and several RV stores. It’s a beast.
April Ancira, his daughter, has taken over the day-to-day "face" of the company. She’s the one you see in the commercials now, carrying on that high-energy tradition. But don't mistake her prominence for his absence. Ernesto is the bedrock.
He’s lived through some heavy stuff, too. The loss of his daughter Cristina in 2013 was a public and private tragedy for the family. But through the ups and downs, the Ancira name has remained a constant.
Why the rumors persist
People search for his status because he’s a "quiet" giant now. He doesn't feel the need to be on every TV screen. When a public figure steps back from the spotlight, the internet assumes the worst. It’s just how things work in 2026.
But Ernesto Ancira Jr. is still here. He’s still active. He’s still the guy who once played racquetball for 61 hours straight—a record that tells you everything you need to know about his stamina.
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Next Steps for San Antonio Residents:
- If you’re a fan of the family legacy, keep an eye on the TMI Episcopal alumni events; he is a frequent guest and supporter there.
- Support local businesses that have stood the test of time; the Ancira group is one of the few large-scale family-owned operations left in the region.
- Don't believe every "is he still alive" headline you see on social media without checking recent local business awards—Ernesto is usually on the guest list.