Roberto Lucas Feliciano Santosdiaz, Sr.

Roberto Lucas Feliciano Santosdiaz Sr., also known affectionately as “Obett,” passed away
peacefully in the suburbs of Chicago on April 24, 2025, at the age of 77. A devoted husband,
father, future grandfather, brother, son, and loyal friend, Roberto Sr. leaves behind a rich legacy
of love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Born on October 18, 1947, Roberto Sr. was the youngest child of the late Ignacio Santosdiaz Sr.
and the late Amor Santosdiaz. He spent his early years mainly in Quezon City, Metro Manila,
growing up alongside his siblings, Florencia “Baby” Violago and the late Ignacio Santosdiaz Jr.
as well as the late Enriquito Feliciano Jose.
Although the Santosdiaz family is now spread across the Philippines, America, Canada, Spain,
and beyond, Roberto Sr.’s heart remained deeply rooted in the community where he was raised.
It was there that he developed not only his technical skills but also the gift that would define him:
a rare ability to connect with others through his humor, kindness, and unforgettable spirit. To this
day, his friends, classmates, and neighbors from Quezon City continue to gather and honor the
bonds he helped create.

For the past four decades, Roberto Sr. made his home in suburban Chicago, where he met his
beloved wife, Pureeh Escutin Santosdiaz. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three
wonderful children: Richie, Roberto Jr. (who goes by JR), and Christine; He recently had another daughter, his daughter-in-law Michelle.
His devotion to his family was unwavering. As a loving husband, proud father, and future grandfather, Roberto Sr.
made everyone he cared for feel seen, supported, and deeply loved.

Roberto Sr. found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved gardening and took great pride in
growing vegetables and fruits in his backyard. He could often be found singing with the church
choir or lighting up a room with his jokes and easy laughter. He loved spending time at social
gatherings and was truly the life of the party. Cooking for family and friends brought him
happiness, but it was never about anything fancy. Roberto Sr. simply cherished being
surrounded by the people he loved.

He also had a special place in his heart for dogs. He lovingly cared for his dogs over the years,
especially Minnie, Macy, and Louie, whose memories lived on with him. He also enjoyed helping
take care of Griffin and Ellie, sharing his love with the family’s dogs whenever he could. Around
the house, Roberto Sr. was the one everyone trusted to fix anything that needed attention. His
hands were steady, his heart was generous, and his love was constant.

Roberto Sr. was also a proud and active member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, giving
generously of his time and spirit. He participated in many activities, including the Simbang Gabi
community, where he once served as chairman, and he faithfully ushered during Sunday Mass.
In his retirement, he treasured his simple routines, such as gathering with his cherished
“McDonald’s coffee group, ” a close-knit circle of friends who shared stories, laughter, and
companionship. His monthly eating group was another favorite pastime, bringing friends and
family together over good food and even better company.

More than anything, Roberto Sr. was a true community builder. He made every person he encountered feel special, always remembering to greet them for birthdays, holidays, and milestones. He would often stay up late just to make sure no one felt forgotten. Facebook quickly became one of his favorite apps, not for the technology itself, but because it allowed him to stay connected with family and friends across the world. Through every message, every post, and every call, he showed that love and connection could cross any distance.

To know Roberto Sr. was to experience a warmth that was genuine, a wit that could brighten
any room, and a spirit that effortlessly brought people together. His humor, kindness, and the love he so freely shared will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Roberto Sr., also lovingly remembered as “Obett.” We love you. Your spirit lives on in every life you touched, in every story shared, and in the family and future generations you helped build.