Roy Rosales passed away at his home on the morning of Jan. 1, 2026, comforted by love, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and deep connection to family, friends and community.

Roy was shaped by his years growing up in Santa Barbara with his strong and hard-working mother.

He attended Franklin Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High School. As a “Don” he formed lifelong friendships and attended his high school reunion this past summer.

He loved telling stories of those younger days, time spent at Laguna Ball Park (the original home of the Santa Barbara Dodgers minor league team) and being paid pennies for locating foul balls over the fence to spend on candy at the local movie theater.

Roy talked of hanging out at the pier and fishing, enjoying local spots like Tino’s; washing and polishing cars; cruising with his buddies; hunting with his uncles; working at Johnson’s Packing House where he met his future wife Donna; and enjoying the simple freedom of youth in Santa Barbara.

A proud Marine Corps veteran, serving 1959-63, Roy carried the values of discipline, integrity and commitment throughout his career.

Returning from the corps having achieved the rank of corporal after primarily serving in Kodiak, Alaska, he worked as an electronics technician for the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

He attended training at Allan Hancock College and graduated from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Academy in 1970.

Roy served 25-plus years in law enforcement with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy, detective and lieutenant, with his early years seeing the protests and burning of the Bank of America building in Goleta; leading the construction of a new jail facility; managing the evacuation of inmates during the Painted Cave Fire; then ultimately leading the Foot Patrol Office in Isla Vista near UC Santa Barbara.

His professional journey included training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, an experience he spoke of with pride.

In retirement, Roy volunteered with the Solvang Visitor Center, and as a safety and security volunteer with the American Red Cross following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005.

Home and family meant everything to Roy. He was very hands-on, along with the help of many of his friends, in designing and building a house on More Mesa in 1972 where he and his wife raised two children.

He eventually retired to Los Alamos on the Central Coast in 1995 where his mom had lived for a short time during her childhood. He enjoyed visiting places like the local park, antique shops, Charlie’s, Los Alamos Coffee and Tea. He was a town figure there who will be missed by many.

Fitness and the outdoors were central to Roy’s life. He enjoyed working out at the gym, running with his doberman Mac, and participating in races and marathons, always challenging himself.

He found peace and adventure in nature, especially while visiting several National Parks. Zion and hiking Angel’s Landing held a special place in his heart.

He also loved weeks-long camping trips throughout the western United States and Canada with his family every summer; boating on Cachuma Lake; riding his motorcycle; and spending time at his homes in Mesquite, Nevada, and Los Alamos.

Roy was a 15-year member of the American Legion Orcutt Post 534.

As a member of the Bent Axles Car Club of Santa Maria, he had a lifelong passion for cars, restoring them with precision and being awarded many times for his talent. Among his most meaningful projects were replicas of his 1955 Pontiac Starchief and his mother’s car, a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria.

He enjoyed watching professional baseball and football games, and going to Las Vegas for NASCAR races. Time spent barbecuing, reading, watching classic movies, listening to country music, trying out golf, lunches with friends at places like Pappy’s and Pepe Delgado’s, and sharing stories with loved ones were among his greatest joys.

Roy held a special devotion to his mother Amalia (Molly Munoz) Silva, and sister Margaret Rosales. He is survived by his children Robert Rosales (partner Carrie Van Beurden), Charlene Rosales (partner Kevin Dye); their mother Donna Rosales; his aunt Josephine Lopez; cousin Georgetta Lucero; and many other cousins and relatives.

Roy joins family members in heaven including his mother’s siblings Teresa Boardman, Ramona Lopez, Antonia Munoz, Buena Ventura Munoz and Raymond Munoz; and stepfather Antonio Silva.

Roy’s faith guided him throughout his life, grounding him in gratitude, compassion and love. Roy will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his humor, strength, and generous heart.

A service will be held at noon, Saturday, Jan. 24 at The Chapel of San Ramon, Forest Route 10N06 (on Foxen Canyon Road), Santa Maria, followed by a gathering nearby at Rancho Sisquoc Winery.

Guests are encouraged to take US 101 to Rte. 154, and follow Foxen Canyon Road to the chapel and winery.