Robert Lerma, Sr.

The family of Robert Lerma, Sr. is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle "Buncle Rob", friend and hero. Robert entered the Lord’s Kingdom on December 21, 2022, at the age of 71, in Salt Lake City Utah, following a brief battle with cancer.

Robert was born on September 29, 1951, at St John's Hospital in Oxnard, California to Mary and Lorenzo Lerma. Robert was the oldest of four siblings and is preceded in death by both parents and his nephew, Joseph Garcia.

Robert is survived by his wife, Linda Lerma, who he loved and cherished deeply. We as a family are forever grateful to Linda, for the selflessness and the tender care she showed Robert during the most difficult time in his life, always making him smile even through his toughest days.

Robert is also survived by his sons Robert Jr (Angie), Nicholas (Valerie) and Alex Lerma, his brother Luis Lerma, sisters Joni Cardenas and Lori Garcia, ten grandchildren, Nicholas Jr, Anthony, Mia, Isabella, Noah, Melody, Robert Ray, Ivan, Carlos, and Sophia, nine nieces and nephews, nineteen great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.

Robert was raised in the beautiful city of Moorpark, California. He loved playing sports, especially baseball in his teenage years. He enjoyed hanging out with his cousins and spending quality time with his grandparents, whom he loved dearly.

Robert attended Flory Elementary, Poindexter Middle School and Moorpark High School before enlisting in the US Army in October of 1968 at the age of 17. Robert completed his infantry military training at Fort Ord Army Base in California, December 1968.

Robert’s first tour of duty took him overseas to Germany in January 1969, he remained stationed there until October 1970 at which point, he volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War. Robert spent the next year with the Army’s combat infantry in Vietnam before returning to his hometown of Moorpark in December 1971. Robert remained in the Army Reserves until he fulfilled his military service in December of 1974.

In the mid 1970’s, after completing his military service, Robert started his own family. He supported them by working in a machine shop in Oxnard for a short time. He then took a position as a security guard at Julius Goldman’s Egg City. It was at this point in Robert’s life, he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Upon graduation from the police academy, Robert was recruited by the Fillmore Police Department where he worked for a short period before accepting a position with the Oxnard Police Department where he remained until the early 1980’s. In May of 1983, Robert accepted a position with the Department of Defense at the Point Mugu military base in California where he would continue to proudly serve his country and community until he retired as a police captain in August of 2011.

Robert in his younger adult years enjoyed playing racquetball, basketball, and being in the pool. There was a funny side to Robert, if you could pull it out of him. One honestly never knew if he was joking around, or about to put you in your place! If you could win him over, and make him your friend, you had one for life. Robert loved a good BBQ and loved watching sports. He was a big sports fan!

Go Dodgers!
Fight on USC!
Rams fan for life!
Win, lose or draw - these were always his teams!!

Robert, the dad, was stern, loving, and a protector. His boys were his world. For most of his career, Robert purposely worked the night shift to help care for his boys during the day. He enjoyed getting them ready in the morning and taking them to school. At times, he helped out in class, almost always being the only dad helping at preschool, a real “Mr. Mom”.

Robert, the uncle, or "Buncle Rob" as he was called by many, made everyone feel special. One way was by giving everyone a nickname such as Big Guy, Suv, Jiggi and Cuteness, these are just a few of many. He never called anyone by their real name.

Robert "Buncle Rob" was notorious for his sweet tooth and known for bribing the nieces and nephews with his “pockets” – meaning that the first one to run to the store and get him his favorite, a Diet Coke and Chocodile, would receive the cash in his pockets. Everyone wanted to be in the pockets!

Robert was the patriarch of our family, he was a simple hardworking man, who had tremendous love for his family, his county and God. His presence, guidance and love will be dearly missed by us all. As a family, we take comfort in knowing Robert had a relationship with the Lord. He fought a good battle, never giving up! With a smile, always being so brave, always trying to protect us to the end, from the heartache and pain, always reminding us that he knew there was a beautiful place where he would be going when this life was over.
Robert is now walking those streets of gold with his Mom, aka his "Jimmy", with his best friend Tony, and “Manny Loud” and all those whom he loved that have gone before him.

Robert, you fought a good fight and gave it your all. You are at peace and whole again. Watch over us as you always have, until we meet again. Welcome home Army Veteran, you are so loved and will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial will be held for Robert at 11:00 am on February 4, 2023 at the Assumption Cemetery, 1380 Fitzgerald Road, Simi Valley California, 93065.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the George E. Whalen VA Medical Center in SLC and the Elko Medical Clinic for the compassionate care they provided during this most difficult time.