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Roberto de la Selva Obituary
Roberto de la Selva passed away at the age of 69 in Ventura with his family at his side on May 2, 2012, succumbing to a long term illness.
Roberto was born in Mexico City on April 8, 1943, and moved to Oxnard in 1948. He grew up in Colonia, attended Santa Clara Elementary School and graduated from Santa Clara High School where he received several awards for his scholastic achievements. He attended Moorpark College and the University of California in Santa Barbara. Roberto also attended the Autonoma University of Mexico City (UNAM) where he was a pre-med student, however, his studies were interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the army during the Viet Nam War. Roberto was wounded in war and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.
Roberto worked as a grant writer and director of several city, county and private non profit agencies. He began his career working as a project director for the Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC), an organization that educated and created jobs for at risk and low income students. He was instrumental in developing an alternative high school, The School of Many Cultures, to meet the needs of these students.
Roberto went on to work for the County of Ventura as the director for the Manpower Program which was responsible for career and employment training. During this time he was very involved in community activities and served on many county and city committees which dealt specifically with the prevention of youth violence and the development of programs which addressed the educational needs and employment opportunities of youth/adults.
Due to his involvement and leadership in these programs, many youth throughout Oxnard, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Moorpark and Ventura went on to become college students and professionals. His last place of employment was as a grant writer for SASSFA, a public agency in Whittier, Calif., where he continued to work as a consultant after his retirement.
Roberto's passion was reading and collecting science fiction books as well as spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He was an excellent speaker and loved a good debate. He was witty, intelligent and always spoke up for the underdog.
Roberto is survived by his wife, Aurora de la Selva; his mother , Valentina Torres de la Selva; his three sons, Luis (Maggie Gutierrez), Sergio and Ivan; four grandchildren, Niko, Daniel, Mateo and Josiah (all of Oxnard). Roberto leaves behind many more loving family members, close friends and many cousins in his large extended family.
In honoring Roberto's wishes, the family will hold a private mass.
The family would appreciate that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Assn. & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave. # 101, Ventura, CA 93003.
Arrangements are in the care of Channel Islands, Cremations, A Heritage Life Tribute Center, Ventura, 240-1359.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roberto de la Selva
Sponsored by His Loving Family .
Paul Rodriguez
October 4, 2016
What can I say about Roberto. I just had a conversation with my kids about how Roberto touched me, looked out for me while at the Job Training Policy Council, mentored me, and inspired me. He always pushed school as a priority and his intellect, charm and wit was second to none. I didn't see him for years once I left JTPC but I thought and spoke of him often. In telling my kids my story of knowing Roberto, I could see they were impressed. I am a 17 year law enforcement officer today because of his guidance and mentoring. I miss this man. Mentors like him come around once, maybe twice, in our lives. Roberto, you were El Jefe down here and I'm sure your filling the roll wherever you may be.
Mike Ewens
May 18, 2012
El Jefe
It is strange to know that you are gone from this world with your wit and intellect. I joined you and Ruben Pacheco in 1975 in the Ventura County Manpower Programs, You were El Jefe. We three were all Vietnam combat veterans and so were part of the band of brothers who have seen war.Now there is only myself left of the three.
Loved your tales of the Brown Berets and La Raza of which you were a member at Moorpark College. The word Chicano took on new meanings even more than from my days at Cal State LA in East LA. You were quite a discussion leader when we talked about Yo Soy Chicano by Corky Gonzales from Denver. God Bless Roberto Find Peace with Our Heavenly Father. Hasta La Vista Amigo y Hermano.
Mike Ewens
Maggie De La Selva
May 14, 2012
What can I say except that Roberto was the BEST Father In Law that any girl could ask for. He treated me like his own daughter. The relationship he had with all 3 of his boys was priceless!! Roberto you will be missed by us all. We love you.
Patricia Gutierrez Ramirez
May 14, 2012
My Deepest condolences to the family
Yajaira De Leon
May 13, 2012
My dear Nino...he was such an amazing man to look up to....a wonderful father and best friend to my Dad....to the De La Selva family may his memories comfort you...and god bless you all.
Ixchel Lopez
May 12, 2012
Thinking of the wonderful De La Selva Family. From the Lopez's...we love you and I think of you all often! Sending prayers, positive energy, and light your way.
Robert Gonzalez
May 11, 2012
To the De La Selva family, please accept my condolences. As my godfather, I'll remember his perpetual kindness and patient advice for me while growing up. The classic red, hardbound dictionary I received as a birthday present was a gift I appreciated and used often during my high school and college years. I believe my mother still has it in her library!
You are loved and will be greatly missed. Robert.
Ana Maria Valle
May 11, 2012
Luis, Sergio and Ivan, I truly feel your loss! Your dad was great! I especially loved our conversations. You always made him proud. You are his true legacy, the great men that you are!
Comadre, what can I say that has not already been said? I am as always, here for you! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! May his memory always keep you strong. ...Ana Maria
Niko DeLaSelva
May 11, 2012
Grandpa Roberto was the best Grandpa ever!!! We enjoyed laughing together, telling jokes and most of all going to the movies.
I will miss you Grandpa and i am thinking of you always and forever.
I love you!!!!
Niko
Rebeca Marquez
May 11, 2012
To Luis and the entire De La Selva family.. my condolences go out to you all. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
May 11, 2012
Dearest Aurora, I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Roberto. I know that my words are inadequate to begin to comfort you at this time. Just know that you and your family are in my prayers, lovingly, Olivia Menchaca.
Sam Garza
May 11, 2012
I first met Roberto when I was hired fresh out of college, to coordinate a youth employment training program through the Terrena Coporation, in Oxnard. I was in awe at his intelligence and witty personality. He helped me continue my employment at Cal Lutheran with the Upward Bound Program. My condolences to the family. Please know Roberto will always be remembered. He left an imprint in many of our lives.
Rosemary and David Gonzalez
May 11, 2012
I'll always remember my cousin Robert as my "big brother" and the time and counsel he gave me growing up. Our hearts go out to Aurora, their boys and family. A life lived as large as Robert lived his will never be forgotten.
Caroline Vallejo Ellis
May 10, 2012
As a young girl, I remember being in awe of the shelves of books that lined the walls of his studio - a memory I will always treasure. God bless you cousin Roberto. Another star shines brightly in the heavens.
Leticia Vallejo
May 10, 2012
My heartfelt condolences go out to you Aurora, Luis, Sergio & Ivan. When I was little, growing up I was in awe of this giant. I always admired his intellectual language. Hanging around during the holidays I could always hear him in "discussions" with my cousins. I may not have understood what they were about but I knew they were significant. The discussions or should I say 'disagreements' he would have with my Mother Clemencia were endearing. Now they will be conversing forever, along with with my Dad listening intuitively. God bless all of you during this time. May you rest in peace, Roberto!
Marcos Gonzalez
May 10, 2012
Roberto will definately be missed. I will always remember his humor and great words of advice. It comforts me to know he was able to touch so many lives. May God bless you Aurora and my cousins. My deepest consolenses, Marcos.
Maria Lupe Soto Vasquez
May 10, 2012
A very inspiring man! Thank you Roberto for all devotion in your community. I was motivated by him to go to college. Thanks to his wife Aurora & his family for sharing his kindred spirit, laughter & pride he invested in many! May the comfort of our Lord Jesus, be with his wife, Mother & his children. Your work was done here on earth, now you will be devoted to the heavens, to continue your outreach. I will forever cherish my child, youth & young adult memories, that Roberto instilled in me. Pride, education & respect. Thank you , from one of your students, who will never forget your great deeds. Sincerely, Maria G. Soto
Socorro Castro
May 10, 2012
His strength will be felt for generations!
Thank you to his family for sharing him with the rest of us. May the Lord bring you comfort in knowing he is in a better place, and pride in knowing he touched our lives in an immeasurable way! We are better because of him, and because of the legacy he leaves behind.
Roberto, may you rest in peace!
Mariel Topete
May 10, 2012
Tio, no words can ever explain how much I appreciated you. You were always there to make us laugh and always told me I was doing good when things were getting hard. To my Tia Aurora and my cousins i love you with all my heart and I'm truly sorry for your loss. My Tio was an incredible person to be around and he will always be in my heart.
Socorro Castro
May 10, 2012
His strength will be felt for generations!
Thank you to his family for sharing him with the rest of us. May the Lord bring you comfort in knowing he is in a better place, and pride in knowing he touched our lives in an immeasurable way! We are better because of him, and because of the legacy he leaves behind.
Roberto, may you rest in peace!
May 10, 2012
Roberto, no hay palabras para expresar lo que siento pero quiero darte las gracias por haber sido un buen amigo. Siempre te tendre en mi corazon.
Aurora, Luis, Sergio & Ivan, my prayers are with you. May God give you the strenght you need to go through these hard times. Love you, Rita Baez
Phil Slaton
May 10, 2012
Roberto was my classmate at SCHS and a better person you could not ask to know. ¡Vaya con Dios mi compadre!
john flynn
May 10, 2012
Roberto de la Selva was a very impressive person. Highly intelligent he was not reluctant to debate an issue. He in many ways was conservative yet established many ways to help people. He was a lasting friend and my prayers are with his family. John Flynn
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