Ernesto Roybal

On Saturday, June 5, 2021, Ernesto Roybal, loving widower, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 98. 

Ernesto was born in the small town of Petaca, New Mexico on May 3rd, 1923.   It was a small town, but big dreams originated from that town in Northern New Mexico.  At the age of 16, in 1939 he ventured off to work at the shipyards in the city of San Francisco, California. It was there that he met the love of his life of 63 years of marriage, she to being originally from Petaca, NM. That is where they raised their children, Patsie, Ross, and Ruben. 

Ernesto was an entrepreneur and started his own janitorial business, A and A Janitorial Services, and with the help of his wife Sylvia, they became successful in the janitorial and real estate businesses. He was known for his work ethic and business savvy. 

Ernesto was passionate about travelling on the road with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was proud of his family and quick to find reasons to help them or celebrate their lives, from giving them financial assistance if he had it, to calling up the mariachis and having a gathering of family and friends. He made friends effortlessly, and everywhere you went people knew Ernesto. They adored his quick wit, charm, and sense of humor at the casinos, buffets, and local diners. Ernesto also enjoyed rooting for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He made sure his bet was placed for the big horse races, and he may have had a special place in his heart for animals, especially horses. 

Ernesto was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Roybal, his mother, Octaviana Benavidez, his brother, Osvaldo , his wife, Sylvia, his sons Ross and Ruben, and his granddaughter, Audrey. He is survived by his daughter Patsie, grandchildren, Ruben, Audrey, and Yvonne, his great grandchildren Ruben, Leo, and Sonia, his great great grandchildren Anastazia, Ernesto, Alonzo, Victor, Kevin, and William, his great great great grandchild, Azariah, his uncle Press, his cousins Jessie, Bertha, Karen and the other many dear cousins of his. 

A funeral service will be held at Rivera Funeral Home on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m., located at 305 CII Salazar, Espanola, NM 87532. Flowers may be sent to this location. The burial will be at Petaca Cemetery in Petaca, NM. A funeral reception will be held after at the local Hall in La Madera, NM.