Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Roberto Pachecano
1948 - 2017
Roberto Pachecano
1948 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Roberto Pachecano Obituary
Roberto Pachecano of San Antonio, TX, passed away on Wednesday, December 13th from complications of scleroderma.
Preceded in death by his parents, Natividad Pachecano Jr. and Ramona Garcia Pachecano, and sister Maria Antonietta Casanova, he is survived by his beloved wife Carole Beth Faseler Pachecano, daughters Jevi (Isaias) Rodriguez and Megan (John Irving) Pachecano, grandchildren Seth and Maya Rodriguez, brothers Ramon (Olga) Pachecano and Ramiro (Carmen) Pachecano, sisters Mary Lou (Gabriel) Garcia, Linda (Wesley) Walker, and Lila Pachecano, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Leaving Edgewood High School at 17 years old, Roberto joined the US Marine Corps and volunteered for service in Vietnam. He served with HQ Company, 9th Marine Infantry Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and later with the 2nd Division and 3rd Marine Air Wing as well as the US Air Force. He received numerous military citations including the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, and the South Vietnam Unit Gallantry Cross.
Roberto worked 25 years with the US Postal Service and retired at age 50. He then graduated cum laude from St. Mary's University with a degree in English Communication Arts, becoming a published writer in journals, magazines, and anthologies. His works were taught at various colleges and universities, and he presented as a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and the US Coast Guard Academy, among others.
Well known in his communities for leadership in civic affairs, Roberto served on the Board of Directors of the SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Image, Inc., Medina Lake Preservation Society, and other nonprofits, organizing fundraisers and events which included In Spirit and Song for the Lupus Foundation of South Central TX and the 100-year celebration of the construction of Medina Lake Dam. He was also a 33-year member of Lonnie Irvin Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies of SA, and Alzafar Shrine.
Roberto may be remembered by some San Antonians for the rise of the "Red Chameleon" legend when he won the SA Express-News' lucky charm contest, taking him and his wooden bolo tie (Artists: Spider Johnson/Lora Hunt) to the 1987 NBA draft lottery where the Spurs subsequently won their first No. 1 pick in the history of the franchise, bringing David Robinson to San Antonio.
Roberto's exposure to both Agent Orange in Vietnam and toxic water at Marine Base Camp Lejeune, NC likely contributed to his demise from mixed connective tissue disease and cancer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday
December 30, 2017
1:00 PM
Laurel Heights United Methodist Church
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gene Piersa
December 18, 2024
7 Years is like a quick blink! Memory of a great human being lasts forever. Robert was a great man, always humble and giving! I'm glad our paths crossed in Texas and hopefully beyond. Semper Fi my friend.
Gene Piersa
December 18, 2023
Nice to see the reminder about Roberto's passing today! 6 Years have past like the blink of an eye. I still have an exceptionally clear recall of the times and talks I spent with Roberto. Besides, we shared the USMC experiences, always a bond. He was one of the most giving, selfless, smiling persons, I ever had the good fortune to meet!!
Best Wishes to all other family and friends, especially at this Holiday Season! Gene
Gene Piersa
February 8, 2020
Dear Friend Roberto, I didn't know you long, but felt, I knew you well.
We shared some stories, hours, Respect, too briefly like Brothers.
I was honored by your generous smile and generous spirit..
I'm sorry, didn't really get to say how much I appreciated you, before I left 3 years ago.
Now you know everything, until we meet and say Hello again!
Rest in peace, Semper Fi my USMC friend!
Gene
Shelly Crafton-Hill
April 20, 2019
There are not words to describe how much Bob and I miss you Roberto. The world, humanity, benefited immeasurably by your presence. You my friend helped make this world a beautiful place to live.
I so desperately miss your sympathetic, yet ever sarcastic shoulder to cry on, and your twisted sense of humor to make me laugh. I still send text messages to your old number. I should probably explain/apologize to whoever has your phone number now...
I truly hope you know how loved you are and there is no one he could have been a better friend. You will never be forgotten.
And if you happen to run into that raccoon in heaven, please forward my sincerest apologies.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Lorenso Bustos
April 17, 2018
Bobby P you were always a good friend at The Lake, we shared many a laugh and good times. It was great seeing you at the Laker Reunion at the VFW. I was saddened to hear of your passing two months afterw
Bob Ellert
March 9, 2018
Roberto and I were fellow young Marines who met in Dong Ha, Vietnam in 1967. His smile, compassion, and friendship remained with me long after we left.
We only reconnected a year ago and his immediate friendliness after fifty years meant a lot to me. Roberto left this world too soon but touched many lives and I will always be grateful I was one of them.
Semper Fi, Pache
Richard Pressman
January 12, 2018
It is deep disappointment to me not to have known about the funeral, but a far deeper one no longer to have Roberto's friendship. Roberto was one of the very few of my former students to have become a friend. I will miss his smile and his openness to all people, but more than that I will miss his commitment to social justice. "He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again."Hamlet, speaking of his father.
Fran Price
January 8, 2018
Dear Roberto, you were such a thoughtful man who evidenced a life with profound purpose. Yours was a soul of depths beyond our ability to grasp. Never have I encountered a person so diligent in desire to share his gift. Perhaps you discovered your gift in the ravages of Nam. Or perhaps you discovered it in the faces of those you returned to. You understood our nature, yet chose to cultivate us no matter our faults. We were all so very wealthy to have known you.
Whatever the source, your gift will never be forgotten. You will burn in our hearts forever, and may we be ever open, as you were. What a dramatic example of all that is best in us. Thank you, my precious friend, my brother #9. We shall meet again.
Fran
..a gardener like that one, no one can replace.. Elton John
Carol Smith and family
December 31, 2017
What an honor and privilege to have known this man. To have worked along side him, lived near him and to call him a very good friend.
One of the best community organizers I've ever worked with, his insight into the hearts and minds of others was generally spot on.
His support of your dreams and visions, even if not shared by himself, was always present.
If asked his opinion, he shared it, honestly and without reservation, a trait not so common, but very much appreciated by me.
He will be sorely missed by many who knew and loved him, but are glad that the pain and suffering of this world will no longer be his. God bless you and keep you close, Robert, may peace be with you.
Teresa Garcia
December 30, 2017
Sorry we couldn't accompany your family. He was a childhood friend and he will be missed. Terry
December 30, 2017
I didn't know him long, but I knew him well. Rest in peace my good friend...
Bob Lyon
Helotes, Texas
Kathy Brault
December 28, 2017
Carole Beth, so sorry for your loss. It was much too soon. We so enjoyed meeting Roberto. You are in our prayers
Kathy and Jean Brault
Emilio and Laura Resendez
December 28, 2017
Bobby P, We were blessed to have you as a friend at OLLU, later through the Post Office, and most recently through the Lakers luncheons. We love you and will miss you. Rest in peace. -Emilio and Laura
Jim Hayes
December 26, 2017
My brother,my fiend,my mentor,my hero a boy who bore the burden of war for me.
December 26, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May you have peace and comfort during this time. Our heavenly father can help us endure during a difficult time like this.
carlos de luna
December 26, 2017
a great friend in high school r.o.t.c, next we meet again in the post office very easy going person, I will miss you [ pashe] good night and in jesus name see you soon.
Lisa Hernandez
December 25, 2017
Carole, So sorry for your loss and prayers for you and the girls. God bless and prayers.
Abdon Cantu Sr
December 25, 2017
Dear Carole
I'm sorry for your loss. I just heard today on Christmas that Robert passed. I will be forever grateful for his help in getting my brothers memorial plaque put at Hondo Barry Field. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely
Abdon Cantu Sr.
Jesse Castro
December 25, 2017
You will be missed by me. We shared wonderful memories.
George Rosales
December 24, 2017
You and I roamed all over Loma Park when we were young boys and we joked and laughed hard every where we went. I hope someday we can joke and laugh in a place called heaven. Until then, rest in peace my friend.
Mary and Mary Jane Wechsler
December 24, 2017
We have known Bobby for a long time, growing up he was our neighbor as well as his other siblings. We the Wechsler family offer our deepest sympathy to the Pachecano family. May he Rest In Peace.
Sam Rocha Jr
December 24, 2017
May the lord welcome you to his kingdom so that
your faith, spirit and wisdom can be shared by all. May you RIP my friend, your neighbor on Willee Dr.
Binky Bernal
December 24, 2017
Bobby forever in my prays Binky
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Roberto Pachecano's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Roberto's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Roberto Pachecano's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
