Photo courtesy of Baca's Funeral Chapels - Las Cruces
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Apr 26, 1937 – Aug 18, 2021 (Age 84)
It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce that ROBERTO V. ESTRADA, Mesilla Valley icon and founder of Roberto’s Restaurant and Roberto’s Mexican Foods passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born to Apolonio Estrada and Rosa Valencia in Mesilla on April 26, 1937.
Roberto was a generous and caring man who supported many major community events and helped many families as mentioned in recent publications of the Las Cruces Sun-News and other media outlets. One of those events was cooking his famous “Enchilada” for the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. He loved his community, his employees his work, his dog “Brutus” but most of all he loved his family.
Roberto leaves behind two sons; Ronald “Ronnie” Estrada and wife Patsy; Chris Estrada and wife Patsy, daughter Yvette Estrada and companion Raul Gonzalez. Also surviving him is his wife of many years and longtime friend Sylvia Estrada, three brothers; Ernesto, Jimmy, and Charlie and wife Nellie Estrada, sister Victoria Hallford and husband Kent; twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
One of Roberto’s favorite pastimes included hosting the “Coffee Club” at his restaurant for many years. There, he enjoyed discussions on many subjects and laughed with his “Chunky-Dales” who are now left to mourn his passing. Among many others, a group of those special friends he had asked to mention are Susana Martinez, Larry Ramirez, Ralph Misquez, Woody and Ann Crawford, Daniel Gamboa, Dan and Lupe Aguilar, Joe Bob and Mary Sellers, Baby Joe Garcia, Billy and Candace Avalos, Harry Romero, Eddie and Louisa Lujan, Erlinda Portillo, Joe Henry Herrera and Richard and Cynthia Arzabal. Truth be told he enjoyed numerous friends just too many to mention all of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Henry and Freddy Estrada, four sisters; Erminda Estrada, Eloisa Polanco, Eva Rojo, and Emilia “Millie” Reyes.
Grandsons Michael, Robert, Jacob, Mark, Jesse, Robbie and MJ Estrada, Robert Navarrete, Isaiah and Jessie Espana and Troy Whitlock will serve as casket bearers. La Rae Navarrete, Raquel, Jessica, Tara and Tamara Estrada, Ashely Martinez and Leigh Ann Hufker, Brianna, Alyssa and Danielle Estrada, his loving granddaughters and great-grand daughters are Honorary Bearers.
Funeral services will be held at Las Cruces First, 5605 Bataan Memorial West, on Saturday August 28, 2021. Visitation is scheduled to begin at 8 AM with the funeral service starting at 11 am, officiated by Pastors Mary Sellers and Felix Gonzalez. Mr. Roberto Estrada will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue. Church services will be live-streamed on https:www.youtube.com/c/LasCrucesFirst and www.facebook.com/lascrucesfirst/videos
Please comply with state mandates related to COVID 19 mask protocols.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
Read MoreMy condolences to the family and may Roberto rest in peace. God Bless
Mario Gomez
September 10, 2021 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
To Ronnie and family, please receive our deepest condolences for the passing of your father. Your dad was a good friend and I have very fond memories of him.
Frank Maldonado
August 30, 2021 | El Paso, TX | Friend
Rest in peace uncle
Richard and Josh Rojo
August 28, 2021 | Albuquerque, NM | Family
Roberto was a beautiful kind man and contributed to the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary for many years since 2012. When we had fiestas at IHM, we would ask him to buy MASA for making Gorditas and he would not charge us and would donate whatever we needed. May God receive him in his Eternal Glory. " Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him". I love him in name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Jennie Villa
JENNIE VILLA
August 28, 2021 | LAS CRUCES, NM | Friend
There was never anyone more caring thank Roberto, he helped so many families, strangers anyone that need help. Teams needing help, he was a wonderful person and a great loss to the community my deepest condolences to Evette and all of the family, our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family
Martha & Richard Cuaron
August 28, 2021 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alberto Rojo
August 28, 2021 | Albuquerque, NM | Family
Best uncle in the whole wide world.
Alberto Rojo
August 28, 2021 | Albuquerque, NM | Family
My sincere condolences to the Estrada family Mr. Estrada was a great business man we always enjoyed eating at his restaurant and buying his famous tortillas and tamales. He will be missed by so many. May he Rest In Peace.
Linda Quiroga
August 28, 2021 | Chamberino, NM | Acquaintance
My condolences to the Estrada family, also to Yvette & Sylvia. May God comfort you all thru this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. He had a heart of gold. Always giving and helping the community. He had the tendency of making anyone feel welcomed when you walked into Roberto's. He was loved & respected by many. My prayers goes to everyone on your loss of him. With love, Lucy Zamora & Family
Lucy Zamora
August 28, 2021 | Las Cruces, NM | Family
