It is with overwhelming sadness and heartbreak that the family of Roberto Ricardo Tovar (79), announces his passing, after a short battle with lung cancer.Rick was born on July 5, 1945, at General Hospital, in Los Angeles, California. From early on he has always had a good work ethic; mixing that with his love for L.A. and sports, he started selling papers at the Dodger Stadium as a young boy.
He graduated from Belmont High where he excelled in track, running the 4×1 hurdle relay and started learning and growing his love for music with his band “The Noble Men”.
Shortly after graduating, He joined the United States Army with a group of his close’s friends. His first duty station was Vietnam and severed one tour fighting for our country. He continued serving in the military for 20 years and retired as Sgt. First Class. He started working at Wal-Mart where he won over the hearts of so many people, by making them smile and laugh with pure joy.
Rick rounded out his civilian career at the Anniston Army Depot. One of the things he was known for was serenading hundreds of people, going from building to building, with the best rendition of Feliz Navidad. Once retired from the Depot, him and his wife started enjoying themselves by singing at restaurants, weddings, all various places, traveling, visiting with kids and grandkids, and loving each other to the fullest
Throughout His life, his love for family, friends, music, sports, and making people feel beautiful was truly a gift from God and apparent when you saw those baby blues and big smile. The world was dimmed when this beautiful soul went home to our Heavenly Father. The mark this man has made on so many lives, will be felt for lifetimes.
Rick is survived by his wife, Vickie; children, Nanie (Julie) Tovar; daughter, Amber Tovar; stepdaughter, Erica (Erik) Grieve, Crystal (Anthony) Monterio; Sister, Betty Arnold and brother, Jimmy Marquez; Grandchildren, Emerson Tovar, Sadie Grieve, Lydia Tovar, Levi Gardner, Grier Monterio, Layken Tovar, and Ellerie Tovar.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Chatta; father, Pete; sister Ruby and Erlinda
There is going to be a Celebration of Life on January 18, 2025, at The NoAlan. We will be celebrating from 2-6.
