Richard "Rick" Roberti

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Rick Roberti – a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and true friend  - who went home to heaven on May 16, 2025 at the age of 66. 

Born in Salinas, California, Rick was the beloved son of the late Dawn and Gino Roberti. Raised in Fresno with his sisters Leigh and Laurie, he graduated from  Hoover High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering  from California State University Fresno and a Master of Science in Electrical  Engineering from UCLA. His lifelong passion for innovation, precision, and  curiosity guided both his education and his career. 

Rick began his professional life at Hughes Space and Communications, where his  keen intellect and natural leadership quickly set him apart. There he met and  eventually married the love of his life Mary. Over a distinguished 35-year career in  aerospace, he contributed to the design, construction, and testing of vital  components for cutting-edge communication satellites, as well as, managing  laboratory personnel. Though he officially retired in January 2017, his love for  exploration brought him back as a consultant for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.  He took great pride in his work on the Mars Rover Perseverance and the Europa Clipper—missions that epitomized his enduring commitment to pushing the  boundaries of what’s possible. 

Yet for all his professional accomplishments, Rick’s greatest pride and deepest joy  came from the life he built with his family. He was married to his soulmate, Mary,  for 37 glorious years, and together they raised three incredible children—Mike,  Nick, and Katie. Rick was a fixture in their lives, showing up for every game,  performance, and milestone with quiet strength and boundless support. He was  their biggest fan, constant encourager, and quiet hero. 

Rick had a brilliant mind for engineering, but also for everyday invention. His  garage was a testament to his ingenuity, where he designed and built everything  from a mobile golf bag storage rack to a rolling surfboard rack that looked like it  belonged in a pro shop. Whether it was plumbing or electrical repairs, fixing  everything that was broken, or just making life a little more functional and fun, 

Rick’s creations combined form, function, and flair. He could solve any problem  with a little wood, a few wheels, brilliant ingenuity and a lot of heart. 

He was known for his exceptional cooking skills (especially when manning the  grill), a quick and witty sense of humor, and the kind of warmth that made  everyone feel welcome. A proud Eagle Scout, Rick embodied the Scout motto— “Be prepared”—not only in the literal sense but in the calm, steady way he  approached life. His favorite place on Earth was his own kitchen table, surrounded  by his wife and children, talking and laughing late into the night. 

Rick is survived by his wife Mary; his children Mike, Nick, and Katie; his siblings  and extended family; and countless friends, colleagues, and neighbors who were  touched by his integrity, humility, and love. 

A celebration of a life well-lived will be held at American Martyrs Church in  Manhattan Beach on May 31st at 10 AM. The service will be live streamed and  recorded; please visit the American Martyrs Catholic Church website for access. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s honor may be made to two causes close to  his heart: the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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