Robert L. Urioste Sr.

Robert Lee Urioste, Sr., affectionately known to family, friends, and his community as “Bob,” passed away on September 28, 2026, in New Port Richey, Florida, at the age of 93. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Korean War veteran, and longtime public servant, Bob lived a life centered on family, faith, service, country, and community.

Bob was born on August 16, 1933, in Boise City, Oklahoma, to Antonio and Margaret Urioste. He grew up in La Junta, Colorado, as one of 12 children and was among the five youngest in a close-knit, loving family. The values of love and devotion to family that shaped his childhood remained at the heart of his life.

In the early 1950s, Bob entered the United States military and earned his high school diploma while serving in the United States Air Force. A Korean War veteran, he served in three branches of the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged from the Air Force on January 8, 1955, the Navy on January 19, 1972, and the Army on March 16, 1979.

Bob continued his commitment to public service through a long career with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he worked as an Investigator. His career included working in Washington, D.C., from 1975 to 1978. After approximately 30 years of government service, he retired in the late 1990s.

A devout Catholic, Bob shared his faith and love of music through the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where he sang and played guitar. He was also a proud third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A musician at heart, he passed his love of music to his family by teaching his son to play guitar. Bob was also deeply proud of his Latino heritage and community.

Bob was first married to Cristella Madrid-Urioste, with whom he had four children: Joyce Urioste Wareham-Franks, Robert “Rusty” Urioste, Jr., Roberta “Bertie” Urioste, and Yvonne Urioste-DeCoteau. Cristella preceded him in death in 1967.

Bob later married his beloved wife, Beverly Urioste. They shared 43 years together, including 41 years of marriage. Through their marriage, Bob welcomed Beverly’s four sons, Chris, Art, Jason, and Tim Martinez, into his family and loved them as his own. Together, Bob and Beverly built a family grounded in love and devotion. He was the proud father of eight children, grandfather of 18 grandchildren, and great-grandfather of 25 great-grandchildren, leaving a family legacy of 51 descendants across three generations.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Margaret Urioste; his first wife, Cristella Madrid-Urioste; his daughter, Roberta “Bertie” Urioste; and his granddaughter, Alexandria Lynn Urioste-Rivera.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Beverly Urioste; his surviving children; his brothers, Tony and Jim Urioste, whom he loved and adored; 17 surviving grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; extended family; and many friends and community members whose lives he touched.

Bob also enjoyed cheering on his Denver Broncos, a favorite pastime that brought him joy.

Bob’s 93 years were marked by faith, service, music, and a deep love for family. His legacy will live on through the generations who will carry his name, share his stories, and cherish his memory.