Robert Joseph Zaragosa

Robert Joseph Zaragosa, known affectionately as Bobby, was born on June 13, 1978. He was the second child to Robert and Julie Zaragosa. He was the protector and perfect brother to his older sister, Anissa, and younger brother, Joshua.

Bobby was an athlete in his youth. He played baseball and football as a young boy in Pomona up to his years at Baldwin Park High School. On his high school football team, he was a defensive safety, and on rare occasions when he did run the ball, he was known as a sideways runner - scrambling back and forth, not gaining yards as he ran from sideline to sideline. Although he didn’t gain many forward yards, he refused to be tackled. He wasn’t going down easily. That was Bobby in everything he did in life, hilariously determined, and so much fun to watch.

In 1996, Bobby‘s eldest son Santos was born, followed by his daughters, Alexis, Celeste, and youngest son, Junior. In Bobby’s own words, his children were his greatest achievements and his legacy.

Bobby graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2010. This opened the door for various jobs throughout his career, including working at the prestigious members only Club 33 in Disneyland.

Bobby loved outdoor activities and the opportunity it gave him to spend time with his friends and family. He enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, a good barbecue, and attending sporting events. Bobby was an avid fan of USC Trojans, LA Dodgers, and LA Rams. His love for sports, mixed with his devotion to family, made him the most loyal fan of all. He faithfully attended games and events, supporting his little cousins, who adored their “Uncle Bobby.” But his all-time favorite athlete was his son Junior.

Family was everything to Bobby and he was loyal to the core. To his parents, he was the strong man in the house, their defender, their helper, their strong-willed child, and their laughter. He cherished his mother and was so very proud of her. From witnessing his father’s example of sacrifice and devotion towards his sister, Bobby learned and exercised that same compassion and commitment towards her his entire life. He had a deep connection with Anissa whom he loved beyond measure. He and his brother Joshua had a strong but silent bond. They shared special moments discussing sports and stories about their children. But the greatest gift they shared was their love for family. They both knew that no matter what, they would always be there for their family and for each other. Bobby was an amazing and entertaining uncle to his two nieces, Jaleesa and Eliana. They so enjoyed their time dancing and laughing together. Bobby loved and respected their mother, Erika, and appreciated all she had done for him.

He was the silliest and most enjoyable neighbor his Grandma Jojo could have. He brightened up her days with his pranks and jokes, constantly opening her bedroom door, shutting the light off while she was in her room. He brought so much laughter into her daily life.

His presence was a burst of energy and his laughter lit up a room. To all he loved, he was the first to reach out in times of need. He was a very present force and took whatever action necessary for that moment. Whether it was a hug, a prayer, laughter, or a strong armed defender who had your back, Bobby always knew exactly what to say and what to do.

Most importantly, Bobby was a man of faith. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and strongly believed in his Savior. Confirming this love and commitment, Bobby willfully and excitedly was baptized in 2019.

Although Bobby’s last year of his life was difficult, it was also the best year of his life. He felt pure, unconditional love for his son, Santos, and was proud to be his dad from the moment Santos was born. Bobby was so happy to have spent his last birthday golfing with his son, Junior, and was in awe of the man Junior had become. He was there to experience the joy of his eldest daughter, Alexis, as she married Michael, a man that Bobby not only accepted but also loved and respected. And It was also the year that his youngest daughter, Celeste, blessed him with the greatest gift of all: his precious granddaughter, Alina. He adored and treasured Alina and as he said, he “loved her all the way to the SKY.”

Bobby is loved and survived by his parents Robert and Julie Zaragosa, children Santos, Alexis (Michael), Celeste, and Junior, granddaughter Alina Sky, siblings Anissa and Joshua (Erika), nieces Jaleesa and Eliana, grandmother Joanne Berumen, his aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

Bobby was many different things to many people, but the most common terms used to describe him are loyal, free spirited, fun and pure love. Bobby will forever be remembered, forever be missed and forever be so very loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324, USA. The service is scheduled for December 2, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.