Roberto Esquerdo

In Loving Memory of Roberto Esquerdo

April 6, 1947 – September 6, 2026

Roberto Esquerdo, 79, of Glendale, New York, passed away on September 6, 2026. Born on April 6, 1947, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Roberto carried the spirit of his hometown with him throughout his life. He was also one of the most well-known and beloved members of the Puerto Rican Schwinn Club.

Roberto and his identical twin brother, Willie, were affectionately known as “The Twins of San Juan.” Their bond as twins was a special part of Roberto’s life and a connection to the place where their story began.

Roberto later immigrated to New York to care for his mother, Natividad. His mother had raised a large family, and family remained an important part of Roberto’s life. He was predeceased by his parents, Ramon and Natividad; his brothers Victor, Willie, and Quique; and his sister Evy.

Roberto is survived by his beloved wife, Grace; his loving children, Barbie (Julio) and Anthony (Christine); his cherished granddaughters, Stephenie, Valerie, and Octavia; and his siblings Angeles, Myrna, and Orlando.

Roberto was a man of steady dedication and a tireless work ethic. Throughout his life, he held many different jobs, always taking pride in providing for the people he loved. Most recently, he worked as a custodian at the Brooklyn Public Library, a role he carried out with quiet pride, consistency, and dedication. Among his many ventures, one of the most memorable was owning a seasonal hot dog cart—an example of the practical determination and entrepreneurial spirit that defined him.

Roberto shared a remarkable 40-year love story with his devoted wife, Grace. Their relationship began as neighbors and close friends and, over the years, grew into a deep and lasting partnership built on care, loyalty, humor, and everyday kindness.

Grace helped Roberto learn English, and Roberto returned that love in the ways he knew best: cooking for her, caring for her, and always finding little ways to make her life easier. Sometimes, when Grace came home from work, she would find Roberto already outside washing her car. These simple acts captured the kind of husband he was—quietly loving, dependable, and always there.

Roberto had a warmth that naturally drew people toward him. He was beloved by many and known for his quick wit, easy laugh, and unmistakable sense of humor. A music lover and natural jokester, he had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories and bringing a spirit of celebration wherever he went. He was the kind of person people counted on to lift the room simply by being in it.

He was also famously handy and loved working with his hands. Always tinkering, fixing, or figuring out how something worked, Roberto had a particular passion for bicycles. His love of bicycles became an important part of his life and community, especially through his friendships and involvement with the Puerto Rican Schwinn Club.

At home, Roberto expressed much of his love through food. He enjoyed cooking traditional Puerto Rican dishes for Grace and, with her guidance, learned to prepare some Italian meals as well. For Roberto, cooking was more than simply preparing a meal—it was another way of taking care of the people he loved.

Roberto Esquerdo will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection—for his hard work, his humor, his generosity, his love of music and bicycles, his deep connection to San Juan, and most of all, for the love he gave so freely to his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He lived a life of hard work, laughter, love, and loyalty—and he left an impression that will not be forgotten. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Roberto's life, share memories, and honor the man who brought laughter, friendship, and love to so many.

Memorial Service

September 18, 2026

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Werst & LaBella Funeral Home

71-41 Cooper Ave

Glendale, NY 11385