Cover photo for Roberto Balbuena's Obituary
Roberto Balbuena Profile Photo

Roberto Balbuena

March 30, 1936 — July 8, 2025

Roberto Balbuena

March 30, 1936 — July 8, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and great love that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Roberto Balbuena. He lived from March 30, 1936 - July 8, 2025.

Born into humble beginnings, Roberto experienced a difficult childhood that shaped his resilience and strength of character. Due to limited resources, he was only able to attend school until the first grade. From a very young age, he began working to support himself, entering the shoemaking trade as a cobbler. Through hard work and unwavering dedication, he rose to become one of the finest women’s shoe cobblers. Even in his later years, he proudly recalled how others spoke highly of his craftsmanship—a legacy that brought him deep joy and pride.

Despite having only a first-grade education, he was a remarkably intellectual and curious man. He was a voracious reader who never stopped seeking knowledge. He loved to engage in thoughtful discussions and lively debates on any topic, always bringing passion and wit to the conversation.

In his late teens, he met Lidia Natividad, the love of his life and his lifelong companion. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising six children: one son, César, and five daughters, Alejandra, Alma, Ana, Luz, and Blanca.

In pursuit of a better future, Roberto immigrated alone to the United States in the 1970s, laying the foundation for his family’s new life. In 1977, he was able to reunite with Lidia and their children, bringing them to the U.S. to begin a new chapter together.

Upon arriving in the United States, he began a new career as a wood finisher. With the same determination and dedication he brought to shoemaking, he worked in this trade for over 30 years. He officially retired at the age of 65, but his strong work ethic and passion for craftsmanship led him to return for an additional year before retiring for good. In 2018, Roberto became a United States citizen—something he was incredibly proud of—and he did so at a naturalization ceremony surrounded by his family. He was so excited for the occasion that he proudly wore a tie patterned with the American flag.

Beyond his hard work and intellect, Roberto lived life with joy and warmth. He loved to travel and explore new places. He cherished time with his family—sharing meals, stories, and laughter. A true lover of food, he delighted in every bite and believed that good meals were meant to be enjoyed together. He had a unique gift for giving everyone a nickname, a playful tradition that made everyone feel seen and loved. His sense of humor and laughter were contagious, and he brought light and joy to every room he entered.

He loved spending time with his family during board game nights, where laughter and friendly competition filled the air. He also had a passion for horse racing and enjoyed visiting the Santa Anita Race Track to “play the ponies.” Trips to the casino brought him joy and excitement, and watching sports was one of his favorite pastimes. He was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and proudly supported Club América.

Roberto was also known for his impeccable punctuality and the pride he took in his appearance. He valued being on time and always presented himself with care—dressed neatly, clean-cut, and polished. Whether for family gatherings or everyday life, he carried himself with quiet dignity and style.

And of course, his notorious sweet tooth was unforgettable. He was always on the lookout for candy in every home he entered, often with a mischievous smile, as though finding a hidden treat was one of life’s simple joys.

His faith was an unwavering part of his life. Rain or shine, he attended church every Sunday for over 40 years—a reflection of his deep spiritual devotion and gratitude.

His legacy lives on through his six children, 15 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren—each a testament to the sacrifices he made and the values he instilled.

Roberto will be remembered for his humility, strength, sharp mind, and the deep love he had for his family. His story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, joy, and enduring love. We are forever grateful for his life and the many ways he touched our hearts.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Roberto's Children: César Balbuena, Alejandra Gallardo, Alma Lidia Balbuena, Ana Herrera, Luz Maria Balbuena, Blanca Ramirez

Roberto's Grandchildren: Almarosa Altamirano, Carolina Escalante, Diane Escalante, Jessica Gallardo, Stacy Liquidano, Edwin Herrera Jr., Cesar Balbuena Jr., Rosa Balbuena, Jaime Gallardo, Stephanie Herrera, Ashleigh Ramirez, Cindy Ramirez, Aimee Ramirez, Ernesto Shimizu Jr., Ilse Yukie Shimizu

Roberto's Great-Grandchildren: Crystal Savannah Quinteros, Daniel Alexander Quinteros, Angelica Altamirano, Antonio Roberto Altamirano, Nicholas Amilcar Quinteros, Araceli Altamirano, Arturo Angel Altamirano, Cesar Balbuena III, Sophia Liquidano, Lorenzo Balbuena, Zoe Liquidano, Lecsi Ruth Herrera, Eli James Amaya, Alexander James Amaya, Lucas Mateo Valenzuela

____________________________________________________________

Con profunda tristeza y con gran amor, anunciamos el fallecimiento de nuestro querido padre, abuelo y bisabuelo, Roberto Balbuena.

Nacido en circunstancias humildes, Roberto vivió una infancia difícil que moldeó su resiliencia y fortaleza de carácter. Debido a la falta de recursos, solo pudo asistir a la escuela hasta el primer grado. Desde muy joven comenzó a trabajar para mantenerse, iniciándose en el oficio de zapatero. Gracias a su arduo trabajo y dedicación inquebrantable, llegó a ser uno de los mejores zapateros especializados en calzado para mujer. Incluso en sus últimos años, recordaba con orgullo cómo la gente elogiaba su trabajo, un legado que le brindaba una profunda alegría y orgullo.

A pesar de haber estudiado solo hasta el primer grado, fue un hombre increíblemente intelectual y curioso. Era un lector voraz que nunca dejó de buscar conocimiento. Le encantaba participar en conversaciones profundas y debates animados sobre cualquier tema, siempre aportando pasión, sabiduría y humor.

En su adolescencia tardía conoció a Lidia Natividad, el amor de su vida y su compañera para toda la vida. Juntos formaron una hermosa familia con seis hijos: un hijo, César, y cinco hijas, Alejandra, Alma, Ana, Luz y Blanca.

En busca de un futuro mejor, Roberto emigró solo a los Estados Unidos en la década de 1970, sentando las bases para una nueva vida. En 1977 logró reunirse con Lidia y sus hijos, trayéndolos a los Estados Unidos para comenzar un nuevo capítulo juntos.

Al llegar a Estados Unidos, inició una nueva carrera como aplicador de acabados en madera. Con la misma determinación y dedicación que mostró como zapatero, trabajó en este oficio durante más de 30 años. Se retiró oficialmente a los 65 años, pero su fuerte ética de trabajo y pasión por su oficio lo llevaron a regresar por un año adicional antes de jubilarse definitivamente. En 2018, Roberto se naturalizó como ciudadano de los Estados Unidos—algo de lo que se sentía profundamente orgulloso—y lo hizo en una ceremonia de naturalización rodeado de su familia. Estaba tan emocionado por la ocasión que con orgullo usó una corbata con el diseño de la bandera de los Estados Unidos.

Más allá de su trabajo e intelecto, Roberto vivió la vida con alegría y calidez. Le encantaba viajar y descubrir nuevos lugares. Atesoraba el tiempo con su familia—compartiendo comidas, historias y risas. Amaba la comida y disfrutaba cada bocado, convencido de que las mejores comidas se disfrutan en compañía. Tenía un don especial para ponerle apodos a todos, una tradición juguetona que hacía que cada persona se sintiera vista y querida. Su sentido del humor y su risa eran contagiosos, y llenaba de luz y alegría cada espacio en el que se encontraba.

Le encantaba pasar tiempo con su familia en noches de juegos de mesa, donde reinaban la risa y la competencia amistosa. También tenía una gran pasión por las carreras de caballos y disfrutaba visitar el hipódromo de Santa Anita para “apostar a los caballos.” Los viajes al casino le traían alegría y emoción, y ver deportes era uno de sus pasatiempos favoritos. Fue un fiel seguidor de los Los Angeles Dodgers y apoyaba con orgullo al Club América.

Roberto también era conocido por su impecable puntualidad y por el cuidado que tenía con su apariencia. Valoraba mucho la puntualidad y siempre se presentaba bien vestido, limpio y arreglado. Ya fuera para reuniones familiares o en la vida cotidiana, se mostraba con una dignidad y estilo silenciosos pero firmes.

Y, por supuesto, su famoso gusto por los dulces era inolvidable. Siempre buscaba caramelos en cada casa que visitaba, a menudo con una sonrisa traviesa, como si encontrar un dulce escondido fuera uno de los pequeños grandes placeres de la vida.

Su fe fue una parte fundamental de su vida. Lloviera o brillara el sol, asistió a la iglesia todos los domingos durante más de 40 años—una muestra de su profunda devoción espiritual y gratitud.

Su legado vive a través de sus seis hijos, 15 nietos y 15 bisnietos—cada uno un testimonio de los sacrificios que hizo y los valores que dejó.

Roberto será recordado por su humildad, fortaleza, mente brillante y el profundo amor que tuvo por su familia. Su historia es una de perseverancia, sacrificio, alegría y amor duradero. Estaremos eternamente agradecidos por su vida y por todas las formas en que tocó nuestros corazones.

Será profundamente extrañado y amorosamente recordado por todos los que lo conocieron.

Service Schedule

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Funeral Service of Roberto Balbuena

Monday, July 21, 2025

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Pacific time)

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