Roberto Escobar Frietz

Born on May 24,1955 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Died on July 19, 2026, at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Roberto is the son of Zobeida Escobar Frietz and Guillermo Frietz, longtime residents of Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona.

Roberto is preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Carlos who passed away in 1995 and his son Carlitos who passed away in 1986.

He leaves behind his children: Abelardo Frietz (Kim), Roberto D. Frietz, Samantha A. Frietz and stepchildren David Sandoval and Ruby Sainz Armendariz. He also leaves behind his loving wife and partner of 13 years Maria Frietz, two grandchildren, Ezra and Nylah Frietz, brothers Guillermo and David Frietz and several nieces and nephews.

Roberto grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He graduated from South Mountain High School in 1973 and attended Phoenix College and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.

In 1981, he started his career working with the state Medicaid program. Through this work he recognized the needs of Phoenix’s vulnerable populations and decided he needed to do more to help. This led to work in county and city government programs as an advocate for the homeless, elderly and mentally challenged. In 1995, he began his long and successful career with the City of Phoenix. He was dedicated to improving the physical aspects of neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents. He worked tirelessly with community advocates in the Garfield and Maryvale communities and was passionate about advocating for the needs of all individuals who wanted change in their neighborhoods and safe living conditions. He received multiple awards throughout his career for his dedication and was loved by many colleagues and community members.

While working at the City of Phoenix, Roberto met his second wife, Maria. They dated for many years and married in 2020 during the pandemic. She supported Roberto throughout his long battle with cancer.

Roberto was an avid reader, enjoyed hunting, listening to music, spending time in northern Arizona and watching sports (Go Raiders!). He loved being a dad and grandfather.

Forever in our hearts, rest in peace.