Robert Orlando Vasquez Jr's Obituary
"If you could heal a broken heart wouldn't time be out to charm you"
Robert Orlando Jr, age 55, was born April 12,1970 to Robert and Susan Vasquez. Robert passed unexpectedly on December 5, 2025 from complication due to cardiovascular disease.
After graduating West High School Robert headed to Phoenix, Arizona. There he attended an auto mechanic trade school. The most talked about memories of his stay there were attending a Guns N’ Roses concert and visiting his roommate, Celcio, parents. Where there was always a homemade meal waiting for them. Back home November Rain and Paradice City would be played on repeat.
Robert started his career at Plowgian Auto. His co-worker, friend and mentor Gene was instrumental in forming Robert’s career as one of the best and sought after mechanics. Robert sharpened his skills and made lifelong customers and friends while working at Firestone, Kolby’s Tires, Downtown Auto and Neil’s Pro who were family. Robert took great pride in his work. He was respected for his extraordinary talents, dedication, honesty and hard work.
In his earlier years Robert would spend his time fishing, hunting, and camping. He enjoyed watching a Pittsburgh Steelers game or a good boxing match. Back in the day you could find him hanging out at The Old Bottling House chatting it up with friends, dancing and sometimes joining in on karaoke.
Robert was more than an amazing auto mechanic. He was a great brother, uncle and friend. He so loved his nieces and nephews. They called him “Uncle”. He didn’t ever forget a birthday. He always had a small gift or a funny birthday card. As the little brother Robert found it humorous he was the tallest. He defiantly was the smartest. Robert was quite the jokester with a quick wit. He loved to banter. Robert didn’t suffer fools. If you were his friend you knew it with his unrelenting banter. The late Rod Brunson was his primary target. Robert’s cherished friend was Marsha Burtoft. Marsha’s husband Danny, along with Mark, Scott and Ron were all wonderful friends in Robert’s daily life. He loved chatting about the fun times of his childhood and reminiscing of it all. Even though he kept his circle of friends small he had a huge impact on so many who loved him. Chubby’s lost one of their best customers. Stop by and have a meal in remembrance of him.
Robert is survived by his sisters Gina and Polly(Michael), nephew Elias(Saran) son Lincoln and niece Elsha(the late Steve Baldwin) children Jaxton and Khloe. Robert is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his good friends Rod Brunson, Chris and Neil Draper.
Graveside services will be held Friday January 16, 2026 at 11am. Interment at Mount Calvary Cemetary, 4th Avenue T Street Salt Lake City, UT.
A camping trip with a day of fishing will be planned this summer in Robert’s honor.
Thank you to Jody at Simple Cremations and Sarah at Premier Funeral for your compassion, patients and care.
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