Roberto Baltazar October 7, 1976 ~ November 5, 2026 (age 50)

A rosary for Roberto Baltazar will be held at 9:00 AM, on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Helen Catholic Church.  Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:00 AM, with Fr. Francisco Carbajal as the celebrant.  Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Luis Flores, Joe Mirabal, Marco Gutierrez, Benjamin Baltazar, Jorge Topete, Leonel Baltazar, Israel Baltazar and Ruben Lozano serving as pallbearers.

Roberto Baltazar was born in Portales, New Mexico, to Martin and Eulalia Baltazar. Robert had many nicknames over the years, but the one that will live on forever was the one he chose for himself—Lobo. From an early age, Robert began a journey that would shape his life and the person he became. At approximately six years old, he began attending the New Mexico School for the Deaf, where he spent much of his childhood and school years. Robert enjoyed sports and especially loved playing football during high school.

Robert had a playful personality and was quite the jokester. He enjoyed making people laugh and had a way of bringing humor into everyday moments. Those who knew him will remember his smile, playful spirit, his sense of humor, and the little moments that made him uniquely Robert.

Life was not always easy for Robert. In addition to navigating life as a deaf individual, he also lived with schizophrenia, a mental illness that presented significant challenges and created barriers throughout his life. These struggles were a difficult part of his journey, but they were only one part of his story. Robert was much more than the challenges he faced. He was a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a person with his own personality, humor, dreams, and desire for human connection.

Robert was a familiar face in the Portales community. Many people around town knew him, and he enjoyed taking the time to communicate with anyone willing to stop and visit. Whether through sign language or writing back and forth, Robert found ways to connect with those around him. He was also able to read lips, which became his primary way of communicating with family and friends. He never let communication barriers prevent him from making connections or sharing a conversation with someone willing to give him their time.

Robert leaves behind his beloved daughter, Olivia Yeaman, a gift for which we will forever be grateful. His daughter and granddaughter, Camila, will remain an important part of his family’s legacy and the love he leaves behind.

Robert is survived by his parents, Martin and Eulalia Baltazar; his brother, Benjamin Baltazar (Arcelia Baltazar); and his sisters, Mary Gibson, Gloria Topete (Jorge Topete), Anna Baltazar, Yolanda Nunez (Paulino Nunez), and Sylvia Baltazar. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry his memory with them.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel “Abdula” Baltazar, and his nephew, Eloy Martin Jimenez.

Robert’s journey brought him to many places, but in the end, Portales was home. His life was filled with unique experiences, meaningful relationships, laughter, and challenges that many may never fully understand. He will be remembered for his playful spirit, his sense of humor, his determination to communicate, and his willingness to connect with those around him.

Though his journey here has come to an end, the memories he leaves behind will live on through his family, friends, and all those whose paths crossed his along the way.

Rest peacefully, Robert. May you finally find peace beyond the struggles of this life: You are now Free. You will be missed, remembered, and forever loved.

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