Roberto Barajas Rivera

Roberto was a San Jose native. He was the 6th child in a family of 8 children. He was an exceptionally resilient child with an infectious, beautiful smile and a zest for life. His resiliency proved his doctor wrong by living beyond he’s doctor’s projected longevity of age 5. His resiliency continued on throughout his life. His love for life was like a ray of light, a flame that penetrated deeply into our family’s soul. Roberto was the center, and nucleus who brighten up our family’s life with his shimmering smile. His infectious smile from ear to ear captivated our family and everyone he met.

Roberto was a strong new born from the very beginning. He grew up in a very loving and supportive family. He learned to experience life as it fit into his life. His challenges did not limit, define him or his experiences in his life. He always found ways to achieve his goals on his own. He was determined until the end with his positive attitude and bright smile that lit up the room.

His special gift of approaching life optimistically, with friendly social skills and outgoing personality made him very popular with everyone he met. Unfortunately, growing up Roberto’s unique appearance made people turn their heads and stare at him wherever we went. The on going stares angered us, causing us to stare back at the gawkers. Yet, Roberto was completely oblivious to the stares. He walked proudly holding his head up high without a care at all and his little special stride.

As a young child, Roberto enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics for children of special needs. It was not important that he come in number 1, but rather to participate and slowly make it to the finish line. His contagious smile let us know he’d completed his goal. In addition to a Special Olympics participant, Roberto also attended day programs throughout his life, where he enjoyed participating in arts, crafts, games and learning computers skills. He always looked forward to his day program. Roberto’s love for his day programs never ended.

Roberto also loved music, dancing and playing video games. During his earlier years, he enjoyed dancing, listening and watching Michael Jackson videos because he was a big fan of him. As he grew older, he learned to play video games. He had a sizable library to choose from. But his favorite games were car racing videos. Here, behind the controls he could freely drive, turn the curves, race, crash, and roll his cars over. He loved the loud crashing sounds the cars made when he lost control. There was no stopping him from experiencing his adventures behind the controls. His resiliency blessed our family for 61 years.

We are appreciative to the Special Olympics, for giving Roberto his first opportunity to experience the joy of success. We are also forever thankful to San Andreas Regional Center for their endless support of Roberto throughout his life. We also want to acknowledge Evergreen Adult Development Center for giving Roberto his last opportunity to enjoy his life to the fullest.

Roberto was a very loving brother. He will be missed by his family and friends. His love and memories will live on in our hearts forever. We are thankful for all the years he blessed our life with his ear to ear smile, his enthusiasm and zest for life.

Public visitation 10:00 AM -8:00 PM - March 30, 2022 Oak Hill Memorial Park

300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, Ca.95125

Funeral Service -March 31, 2022 10:00 -11:00 AM Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San José