Celestino "Tony" Roberto

Celestino "Tony" Roberto, age 88, of Henderson, Nevada passed away peacefully at home early Saturday morning, July 23, 2022 with his loving wife, Avelina "Linn" Roberto at his side. Tony was born April 6, 1934 in Bataan, Philippines to his parents Mauricio Roberto and Potinciana Chuangco. During the second World War's Bataan Death March, at the behest of his mother, Tony provided food and water to the helpless captives especially the American soldiers. One of the officers noticed this thin boy and gave Tony a document which says as a friend of the U.S. government, Tony is welcome to have a safe passage anytime to the United States. With that document, Tony served the U.S. Navy for 30 years and retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, E-7: MS-3501, Mess Management Specialist.

After his service to the U.S. Navy, Tony volunteered at various Catholic organizations in California and Nevada. He also studied art and photography to pursue his interests in painting and memoir-writing.

Tony dedicated all his time, talent, and treasure to his parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church In Henderson. Nevada.

With his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tony was one of the core founders of the Mother of Perpetual Help Prayer Ministry. He was not only active in the Hospitality Ministry and St. Vincent's food pantry, he was also the go-to chef for the parish's special functions like visits from the Bishop.

Oftentimes, not only did he purchase the ingredients, cooked the food, but also served them and cleaned the hall after everybody had gone home. Tony's cooking skills were always put to good use especially at fund-raisers.

Tony was endowed by the Lord and His Mother with a special gift for healing. This was recognized by the late healing priest, Father Fernando Suarez, to whom Tony provided relief from his own physical challenges when he stayed with them.

After the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo In 1991, his compassionate and generous spirit spurred Tony to put up a foundation in his poverty- stricken homeland to feed 3,000 children every month. He not only provided computer equipment for the children but also school supplies. Sadly, these children are again affected by the 7.1 earthquake that occurred recently on July 26, 2022. Tony also sponsored young men and women in their vocations: three became priests, one is now a bishop, and two are now cloistered nuns.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Linn San Juan-Roberto; children: Rod Roberto and his wife, Cathy and their children: Erica, Austin, Bradley, Victoria and Cody; Jeff Roberto and his wife, Melia; and Laraine Roberto Tengco and her husband, Joe Tengco; siblings: Solina Roberto Cruz (Vidal Cruz), Filomena Roberto, Anatolia Roberto, Angelina Roberto Nillo (Bonifacio Nillo), Estelita "Ester" Roberto Tambio (Dominador Tambio), Angeles Roberto (Mercy Roberto), Edgardo Roberto (Angelica Roberto), Emiliano

Roberto, Bonifacio Roberto (Adoracion Roberto), and Nicandro Roberto. He is also survived by Linn's children: Alexander (& Jyothi) San Juan, Adam (Shannon) San Juan; and Adonis (Tricia) San Juan; Linn's grandchildren: Ryan and Asha, Aaron (Rachel), Sydney (Chris Anderson), Rocco and Gray; and Linn's only great grandchild, Pippa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tony's foundation for feeding the children are humbly appreciated.

A memorial mass for Tony will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. Reception will follow in the Parish Hall from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Tony will be be laid to rest at a later date in the Philippines.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Roberto family.