John F. Robert

John F. Robert died peacefully in the comfort of his home on October 22, 2022. "Mr. Robert" the business world name that fit him quite well, was proudly and lovingly introduced to this world as "Juan Francisco Robert" by his parents Mario & Julia Velasquez-Robert on November 13, 1950. He joined his siblings Mario Robert, Elodia Robert and Olivia Robert-Felix who fondly called him "Johnny" (it is noted that the minute he could talk, he started bossing his sisters around). The family grew to 8-children when Jesus (Chuchi) Robert, Julia Robert, Jose (Pepe) Robert and Maria Teresa (Tessy) Robert came into the world.
18-years later, at the end of his Senior year at El Paso High School he met and fell instantly in love with his wife, Maria Leticia (Letty) Armendariz. They pledged their eternal love to each other, shared their desire to grow old together, married in 1970, and honeymooned for 52 years. Be careful what you wish for: they wed, they blinked, they grew old together!
He was loved and welcomed by his parents in-law Albert Armendariz, Sr. & Maria Luisa Armendariz. Gained 5-more siblings: Albert, Eddie, John, Lulu, and Larry. In fact, the consensus is that Letty's brother Albert liked him more than her, wink wink.
His marriage resulted in two beautiful boys: Johnny Robert, Jr. and Albert Mario (Bertie) Robert, his proudest accomplishments. The four of them shared a lifetime of happiness, fun, and adventure. The beauty of their lives only increased when Bertie married Leticia (Tish) Canales. Then, miraculously, their granddaughters Dezi and Jazmin jumped onboard, and the adventure intensified. How he loved those two angels and enjoyed watching them grow up. He constantly asked them, "Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?" He is also survived by a huge variety of in-laws, nieces & nephews, & equally opinionated sassy friends that he truly loved who will complete the list of those left to embellish his memory.
A week after graduating from UTEP, he reported to work for JCPenney at the El Paso Downtown store (thank you Milton Massey) and stayed for 38-years. He loved his work and was very good at it. He had exceptional knowledge, experience and skill in the world of JCP. He became quite an expert on Border retailing and many times received calls from fellow management to pick his brain. During his tenure, he managed several stores and had assignments on District Staffs. His last position was in McAllen at La Plaza Mall where he retired in 2011, leaving a legacy of respect, admiration.and a bunch of wonderful lifetime friends and acquaintances. After 26 years away, they packed up and returned to El Paso, purchased their 9th house, traveled, enjoyed family and had an 11-year second honeymoon.
John was a genteel man, a man of few words, and world-renowned for his lack of patience. When he did speak or share his opinion, he had a keen knack for telling it like it is. He always told you the truth even if it was not what you wanted to hear. He was Genuine to a fault. He laughed every time Letty would say that theymade each other smile, feel tingly, shared an array of very few but very great fights every day of their lives together, but admitted it was true.
A better husband and father could not be imagined. Every day he made his family feel Safe, Loved, and Beautiful. His hard work and eternal planning made his "Golden Years", Golden! He will continue to make Letty feel Safe, Loved & Beautiful every day that she has to live without him.
Because of his irrational fear that his wife would throw him a Huge Godfather-Themed Funeral (poor man suffered through many themed and sometimes costumed parties), a private family 'Celebration of Life' will be held, in lieu of a service.Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate John's life in their own way. Raising a glass of their favorite drink or even better, eating a great meal in his memory would be quite appropriate.
Instead of flowers, the family all hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in his name."