On the evening of Tuesday March 14, 2023, our dearest Roberto Arturo Santamaria “Bobby” was called home to our father and reunited with his beloved wife. He was 66 years old. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones in Round Rock, TX.
Roberto “Bobby” Santamaria was born to Victoria Quiros and Jose Santamaria on July 14, 1956, in Panama City, Panama. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 3 years old and eventually found his home in Killeen, TX. Here, he graduated from high school at Killeen High School. In his early 20’s he was introduced to his future bride Judy by their very good friend Robert Draper. They shared 40 years of marriage and 1 daughter, Victoria Julianne Santamaria. Victoria would go on to marry her husband Rudy DonJuan and together they blessed Bobby and Judy with four grandsons, Anthony, Thomas, Adam, and Dominic. Bobby adored these boys and carried such pride in his heart for his grandson’s. He would regularly boast about how talented they were in sports and joked that they must have got it from their Papa! Some of the boy’s best memories with their grandfather are learning how to fish, hearing him tell his jokes, and listening to him cheer them on at all their games.
Bobby was an avid martial artist for most of his life. He had an amazing ability to teach and coach. The Santamaria family has numerous black belts that have trained under them, as well as numerous champions trained. Bobby and Judy had a successful martial arts school for many years and made a huge impact in the community. Bobby was very active in the A.O.K (Amateur Organization of Karate), acting for several years as the President of the organization. Bobby and Judy also hosted an annual karate tournament, The Texas Cup Karate Classic. This event would draw competitors from all over the state.
Bobby was a soul that brought joy to those who came in contact with him. He did so with music, words, and actions. You could always count on him to look at life as the glass was half full, never half empty. He always treated everyone with respect and showed compassion. Bobby could never turn his back on someone in need, even if that meant he would do without. Bobby’s happiest moments were spent with his family and eating the fantastic meals prepared by his wife.
Bobby is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Rudy DonJuan, his four grandsons, Anthony, Thomas, Adam, and Dominic DonJuan, his sister Elka Silva, and his brother Jose Santamaria. He also has 4 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Family, friends, and fellow martial artists are invited to celebrate Bobby’s life on Friday March 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road Austin, TX, 78750. There will be a small reception following the memorial at the family's home, 13300 Briar Hollow Dr. Austin, TX, 78729.
