Martin Luis “Louie” Rojas
1965-2026
In loving memory of Louie, who left us on June 1, 2026 at the age of 61. Born locally at St. Francis Hospital to Max Rojas and JoEllen Orosco. He leaves behind family, friends and coworkers who will always keep him in their memories. A lifelong resident of Goleta, Louie grew up in the community he proudly called home. He attended local schools, including Goleta Union School/ Hollister Elementary, Goleta Valley Junior High and Dos Pueblos High School.
Louie was known as hardworking, dependable and ethical person. Throughout his life, he held a variety of jobs in the local community to include as delivery driver’s for such companies. By far his most loved position was working as a delivery driver for Larry’s 8 Day Auto Parts. He took pride in his work and earned the respect of those who knew him through his dedication and reliability.
Outside of work, Louie had many interests and hobbies that brought him joy. He was passionate about being a ham radio operator, spending hours communicating with those here in the states and abroad.
He had a talent for home and car audio systems and had a remarkable ear for sound quality. His friends liked his ability to fine-tune a system until it sounded just right, whether adjusting speakers, balancing frequencies, or perfecting the overall sound.
Louie was a friendly and somewhat social person, who took the time to stop and talk with family and friends, especially if it had been awhile. Friends knew that a simple conversation could easily turn into a long talk with some good laughs.
Louie loved to drive. Not because he had somewhere important to be, but simply because he enjoyed being on the road. He was known for taking spontaneous trips just for the experience, sometimes driving hundreds of miles on a whim. It was not unusual to hear him say something like “Last night I drove to Hollywood just to get a burger and fries” referring to a restaurant that was not available here in Goleta or Santa Barbara. For him, the drive itself was often just as enjoyable as the destination.
Those who knew Louie will remember a man who valued family and friendship, worked hard, pursued his interests with enthusiasm and remained connected to the community where he was raised.
Louie is preceded in death by his father Max along with many Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and Friends.
He is survived by his mother JoEllen, his brother Michael, his sister Vicky, his nephew Sean and niece Danielle. He also leaves behind many friends and coworkers who will remember him for his kindness, loyalty and just being himself.
You will truly be missed my baby brother. May you rest in peace.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave, Goleta CA 93111 on Friday, July 10, at 10am with an interment to immediately follow at Goleta Cemetery, 44 S. San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara CA 93110.
A celebration of life will follow the interment at Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, 254 Orange Ave, Goleta, CA 93117.
