At Generations at Oakton Pavillion, we had the joy of celebrating yet another remarkable milestone—our beloved resident, Roberto Sr., turned 107 years old on August 22, 2025. Born in 1918 in Cuba, Roberto has lived through world-shaping events, from the end of World War I to the rise of modern technology, all while building a legacy of resilience, wisdom, and love.
His son, Roberto Jr., who visits him every day, proudly shares, “His mind is clear, and he holds onto so many great memories. He’s a very special man.”
Before moving his family to the U.S. in 1969, Roberto Sr. had a vibrant career as a history professor and attorney. Once in Chicago, he continued to pursue education passionately, attending Lakeview High School to learn English and later earning degrees from Loyola, Northeastern, and Lewis universities. At nearly 70 years old, he even earned his law degree from Lewis University to honor his career in Cuba.
Roberto also spent much of his career at Sears Roebuck & Co. in Chicago as a supervisor in the catalog department. After retiring at 70 and following the passing of his wife in 2006, he moved to Des Plaines to be closer to Roberto Jr., while his daughter lives in Miami.
“One of the first things my father told me was that the greatest blessing for him and my mother was the opportunity they found in this country,” Roberto Jr. reflects. “He always reminded us to never forget that.”
This year, we celebrated Roberto’s special day surrounded by his loving family, residents, and staff. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with joy, gratitude, and admiration for a man whose life is truly a living history book.
Happy 107th Birthday, Roberto! 🎉🎂
