Roberto Casas May 20, 1950-Jan 10, 2024

Chino CA

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Roberto Francisco Casas announces his sudden passing on January 10, 2024, in Ontario, California. He was 73 years old. A dedicated and decades-long Educator, a talented Latin percussionist, a car collector and Lowrider enthusiast, an avid L.A. Dodger fan, and an entertaining and charismatic personality, Roberto left his mark wherever he went.

Born in Los Angeles, California on May 20, 1950 to Francisco Lozoya Casas and Esperanza Martinez Casas, he was the youngest of four children. As a child, Roberto was involved in Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball, and Go-karting, as well as music and church activities at the First Baptist Church of South El Monte, in which the entire family was active. His parents laid the groundwork for his future success, always emphasizing strong religious ideals and the power of education.

Roberto graduated from Rosemead High School in 1968, where he was Senior Class President and played both football and baseball. He then attended Pasadena City College where he played on its football team before transferring to Cal State Los Angeles. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Cal State where he majored in Recreation & Sports Administration and Chicano Studies, and received his Teaching Credential and Master of Science Degree.

After teaching Junior High School, High School, and Continuation High School for thirteen years, he received an Administrative Credential to become a school administrator, where he served as a Vice Principal, Principal, and School District Superintendent in various California Public Schools and Districts. Twenty-five years after receiving his Master's Degree, Roberto returned to school to obtain his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Casas also authored a book on improving education for “at-risk” children with Dr. Paul Rodriguez. Roberto became Dean of Education at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California until his more than 40-year career in Education came to a close.

Roberto’s mentorship of his students and his involvement in community and civic organizations bring him great credit. His legacy of laughter, inspiration, and dedication will live on in his family and the many students whose lives he touched in his four-plus decades as an Educator. We will miss his jokes and his ability to make people laugh.

Roberto is survived by his wife Hilda Padilla Casas of Chino, California; sons Rene Casas (Sherry) and Nathan Casas (Jessica Wetzel); sister Olivia Casas (Erhard Lux); stepdaughters Christine Ramirez and Lorraine Dealba (Albert, Sr.); stepson Luis Padilla (Mercedes); “Tata’s” grandchildren Phoebe Casas and Frankie Casas, “Gramps’s” grandchildren Lynessa Gonzalez, Isaac Ramirez, John Ramirez, Albert Dealba, Jr., Andrew Dealba, Joseph Padilla, Sebastian Padilla; and great granddaughter Leah Quiroz.

Roberto was predeceased by his infant son Roberto Francisco Casas, Jr. and his infant daughter Anjulie Bernadette Casas (siblings of Rene and Nathan Casas, with mother Mary Lou Martin Casas), brother Ernest Casas, sister Martha Cashen, niece Stephanie Kinter, nephew Jose Luis Casas, niece Guadalupe Casas, nephew Robert Frank Casas, and his parents Francisco and Esperanza Casas.

Funeral Services for Dr. Roberto Francisco Casas will be held at Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pomona, California.

“What I would tell people who need an extra word of encouragement is find your niche, find what you’re good at, and go for it! You’re capable of brilliance!” from Motor Trend Lowrider Roll Model Roberto Casas video interview: Youtube