Roy Rosales
Roy Rosales passed away at his home on the morning of January 1, 2026, comforted by love, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and deep connection to family, friends, and community.
Roy was shaped by his years growing up in Santa Barbara. He attended Franklin Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High and High School. He told stories of those younger days, time spent at Laguna Ball Park, fishing off the pier, car cruising with his buddies, hunting with his uncles, working at Johnson’s Packing House where he met his future wife, Donna, and enjoying the simple freedom of youth in Santa Barbara.
He served in the Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. Returning from the Corps after being stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, he was an electronics technician for the Santa Barbara Unified School District. He attended Allan Hancock College and graduated from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Academy in 1970. He served 25+ years in law enforcement with the Sheriff’s Department. His professional journey also included training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In retirement, he volunteered with the Solvang Visitor Center and as a safety and security volunteer with the American Red Cross following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005.
Home and family meant everything to him. With the help of many of his friends, he and his wife designed and built a house on More Mesa in 1972 where they raised two children. He eventually retired to a beautiful property in Los Alamos in 1995.
He enjoyed working out at the gym, as well as running and participating in 5-10k races and marathons. He found peace and adventure in nature, especially while visiting several National Parks. Zion and hiking Angel’s Landing held a special place in his heart. He also loved weekslong camping trips throughout the western United States and Canada with his family every summer, boating on Cachuma Lake, riding his motorcycle, driving his red Ford truck and spending time at his homes in Mesquite, Nevada, and Los Alamos.
Roy was a 15-year member of the American Legion Orcutt Post 534. As a member of the Bent Axles Car Club of Santa Maria, he had a lifelong passion for cars, restoring them with precision and being awarded many times for his talent. He created replicas of his 1955 Pontiac Starchief and his Mother’s car, a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria. He enjoyed watching professional baseball and football games and going to Las Vegas for NASCAR races. Time spent barbecuing, reading, watching classic movies, listening to country music, trying out golf, lunches with friends and sharing stories with loved ones were among his greatest joys.
He held a special devotion to his Mother, Amalia (Molly Munoz) Silva, and Sister, Margaret Rosales. He is survived by his children Robert Rosales (his partner Carrie Van Beurden), Charlene Rosales (her partner Kevin Dye), their Mother Donna Rosales, his Aunt Josephine Lopez, Cousin Georgetta Lucero, and many other cousins and relatives. He joins family members in heaven including his Mother’s siblings, Teresa Boardman, Ramona Lopez, Antonia Munoz, Buena Ventura Munoz, Raymond Munoz, and Stepfather Antonio Silva. His faith guided him throughout his life, grounding him in gratitude, compassion, and love.
Roy will be deeply missed and remembered for his humor, strength, and generous heart. A service will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 24, at The Chapel of San Ramon, Forest Route 10N06 (on Foxen Canyon Road), Santa Maria, California, followed by a gathering nearby at Rancho Sisquoc Winery. Guests are encouraged to take US 101 to Route 154, and to follow Foxen Canyon Road to the Chapel and Winery.
