Francisco Estrada-Roman

CSM Francisco Estrada-Roman loved his family and was proud of his service to the nation. A proud “borinqueno” from Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, Francisco was born in 1926 to Andres Estrada and Matea Roman. In 1943, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1950, he met his future bride Deyanira de los Angeles Cavallini Duran, a registered nurse, while stationed at the Panama Canal Zone. They married in 1951 and raised five wonderful children. Pancho, as his friends called him, enjoyed good food, music, a wicked game of dominos, and great conversations.

CSM Estrada proudly served wherever the Army sent him. As a young soldier, during WWII, he was shipped to Guam in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Upon Japan’s surrender, he served in the occupation and rebuilding of Okinawa and Japan. Before retiring in 1977, his distinguished and highly decorated career, would lead him to duty assignments across the South Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and the United States. After retiring, he continued his service to the nation working at Fort Bliss, Texas as a civilian employee. There he shared his expertise and knowledge as a supply acquisition logistic expert.

CSM Estrada proudly served over 34 years in the U.S. Army. When asked at 90 if he could reenlist tomorrow in the US Army, would he do it, his response was, “Hell yes!”

Francisco passed away peacefully on March 6, 2017 after a prolonged illness. He is preceded in death by his spouse, Deyanira Estrada-Cavallini. He is survived by his children; Francisco Estrada C., Gino Estrada C. (Suzie), Juan Carlos Estrada C (Patricia), Rita Maria Estrada Cavallini, and Antonio Estrada C (Anna). Surviving grandchildren include: Benjamin and Christopher Morley, Alexandra Estrada, Richard and Victoria Estrada, Sarah and Gabriel Estrada.

In celebration of his life please join us for a visitation on Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a rosary/vigil at 7:00pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina, and share your memories with our family. Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church at 11:30am. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:00pm.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please direct memorial gifts to the Army Emergency Relief: https://www.aerhq.org or CARITAS de Puerto Rico http://caritas.pr.

Reflections of a son

My father was more than just my father, he was easy going and a real pal and friend; I will always cherish the times when I need a kind word or just someone with whom I could confy what I thought was an insurmountable problem. My Dad was always there, never judgmental, but he would always listen and then ask, “How do you want to work this out?” He never would tell me what to do, but he was always ready to respond with, “What if you try this.” No matter how difficult the issue or the problem, he always had an amazing ability to make the issue or the problem simple. Not only was he my Dad, he was my very special friend who walked with me and he was a very special light that I will always cherish.

Reflections of my father:

He was a good man. Overcoming many obstacles in his childhood, he sought to improve his life and the lives of others as best he could. He taught me the importance of leading a life of service and compassion for others, and the importance of valuing their contributions. He worked hard his entire life, providing for his family and ensuring that all his children received a college education and were well prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Like everyone else, he had his good moments and bad ones, but in the overall scheme of things, his life lesson served as an example of what really matters, in life; that is to recognize that we are all struggling through life to make a positive difference, to live a good life for oneself, and to help others on their journey.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home, El Paso, TX.