Roberto Leon Aberasturia-Montaño

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberto Leon Aberasturia Montaño, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and proud American. Roberto was the son of the late Ernesto Aberasturia Jauregui and Coralia Montaño Caballero. His journey was one marked by courage, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of freedom. Born in Habana, Cuba, Roberto served as a respected professor at the University of Habana, shaping young minds with passion and dedication. But his vision for a life of true liberty led him to undertake a bold journey to the United States during the historic Mariel boatlift.

Accompanied by his devoted wife Nuri, his mother-in-law Carmelina Rosado, and his two young sons, Ram and Roberto Jr, Roberto left everything behind in search of opportunity and freedom. Though his academic credentials were not recognized in his new homeland, Roberto's spirit remained unbroken. He embraced the challenge, learning English from scratch while working long hours at Colt Firearms. His days were filled with hard labor, and his nights were dedicated to his education, where he tirelessly pursued his BA and Master's in Education from Central Connecticut State University. His determination paid off, leading to a successful teaching career that spanned over 20 years in the Hartford School System.

Roberto was a phenomenal athlete, a passion he shared with his sons. His love for baseball became a cornerstone of their relationship, instilling in them the values of hard work, fair play, and the importance of giving one's all in every endeavor. His legacy of dedication, faith, and family values lives on through his children and grandchildren, a testament to the American dream he so deeply believed in.

After establishing himself in the United States, Roberto was able to bring his daughter Thaimi and his two granddaughters, Thais and Thalia, from Cuba, reuniting the family in the land of freedom and opportunity. His love and commitment to his family were unwavering, matched only by his devotion to his wife Nuri, with whom he shared more than 50 beautiful years of marriage.

Roberto remained forever grateful to the United States, the country that gave him the opportunity to build a lasting legacy for his family. His story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when freedom and opportunity meet unyielding determination. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, family, and the undeniable truth of what one can achieve when given the chance to dream and thrive.

Roberto is survived by his beloved wife, Nuri; his daughter Thaimi Ana Aberasturia Zurbaranand her husband Raciel Valdes Linares; his sons Ram and wife Erin Aberasturia, and Roberto Jr. and wife Marzia Aberasturia. He was a proud grandfather to Thais, Thalia, Ramzie, Roman, Averie, Maseo, and Colson, and a loving great-grandfather to Aria, Airon, and Banks. His legacyalso lives on through numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces who cherish his memory and continue to carry forth his spirit of resilience and faith.

As we say goodbye to Roberto, we hold tightly to the memories of his laughter, his strength, and his unwavering belief in the American dream. His legacy is not just in the family he loved but in the country he embraced with open arms and an open heart. May he rest in peace, forever remembered as a loving husband, a dedicated father, an inspiring teacher, and a proud American.