Robert Aguirre Baca

Robert Aguirre Baca was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Robert will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Robert was born on January 26, 1926 at home in Santa Paula, California. He was the son of Alejandro and Victoria Baca. Robert grew up in Santa Paula, Ventura County, California.

Robert was raised with ten siblings. He had Edward, David, Victoria, Alex I, Alex II, Lydia, Gloria, Daniel, Vera and George. Robert was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Robert had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Robert was an active child who took part in football and track. He was a altar boy. However, to Robert, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Robert had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Ventura High School 2 years early. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math.

Robert enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Robert was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science from San Jose State College. He also pursued a law degree. His favorite courses were law and math.

Empathic and loyal, Robert was committed to making his new family happy. Robert was married to Lucila Josephine for 40 years.

Robert worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Robert was blessed with eight children, Bobby Joe, Lynda, Marie, Richard, Mona, William, Carmella and Marcella. Another blessing for Robert was the gift of four grandchildren, Destinee, Crystall, Kimberly and Stacey.

Fortunately, Robert enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Robert worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Accountant, CPA and Notary. He was employed for industry's of manufacturing and construction. Robert always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Robert was a Merchant Marine then transfered to Navy. He was on the U. S. S. Intrepid. Robert saw action for World War II. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Seaman Second Class. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a World War II victory medal, American Area Asiatic-Pacific (6 stars), European African (2 stars). His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Robert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were horse races. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Robert found pleasure in sports. In high school, Robert played football and track. In his college years, Robert continued to stay active by cross country. Robert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were football and horse races.

Throughout his life, Robert was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Robert was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Robert’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Robert enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included camping at Lake Isabella and going to Cancun, Mexico.

Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his beloved cat Sammy, Lafitte, the parrot and Pepe, the rabbit.

In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening, cooking and woodworking. Even in retirement, Robert continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Robert was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Robert passed away on April 15, 2012 at home. He is survived by his wife Lucila, his children Lynda, Mona, William, Carmella and Marcella, his grandchildren Kimberly, Stacey, Destinee and Crystal, his great-grandchildren Kyler, Victoria, Joie and Troy. Services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Robert was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery.

Simply stated, Robert was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Robert leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Robert Aguirre Baca.