Edwin Roberto Ibáñez

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OBITUARY

Edwin Roberto Ibáñez (born Jan. 12, 1949), of Hillandale, MD, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Roberto graduated from Colegio Don Bosco High School and attended the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, where he studied architecture during a time of great civil unrest. He took English in school and practiced it while working as a movie theater usher, becoming quite fluent in the process. A man of many talents, he also worked in such diverse occupations as movie reviewer for a Catholic newspaper, high school English teacher, and radio presenter and producer, even anchoring the daily news broadcast to all of Bolivia.

Having met his wife, Mary Jo, in his native Bolivia, Roberto emigrated to the United States in 1977 to build a life with her. He soon settled into full-time work in architecture and civil engineering, where his bilingual fluency made him a valuable asset, ensuring engineers, workmen, and civil personnel were in sync. He retired in 2015, but his work can still be seen around the Washington, DC metro area.

Roberto was a faithful Catholic, and an active parishioner at Holy Cross Parish in Garrett Park, MD. He was a member of the parish council, an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, an Adult Acolyte and the primary trainer for new altar servers. Beyond this, Roberto was also a proud and valued member of the Knights of Columbus, belonging to Rock Creek Council #2797 in Bethesda, as well as Cardinal O’Boyle Assembly #386 in Silver Spring. Knighthood offered him the opportunity to provide leadership to his brother Knights over the years. He served two terms as Grand Knight of Rock Creek Council, as well as a 2-year term as a District Deputy, overseeing several councils and ensuring their alignment with the goals of the Order. Through the Knights, he also had the opportunity to provide usher, lector, and Eucharistic ministry at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. This ministry of hospitality, which he participated in for over 10 years, was something that Roberto took particular pride in.

Roberto is survived by Mary Jo, his loving wife of 42 years; his sons Antonio (Leslie) and José (Briege); his sister Cristina Ibáñez Pando; his three grandchildren Teresa, Laura, and Edward; and numerous cousins and nephews around the world. The family would like to give special thanks to Lanre Adeyeye from Montgomery Hospice, and Lisett Cueva, for the care and compassion they showed during Roberto’s final days.

Relatives and friends may call at Holy Cross Parish, 4900 Strathmore Ave., Garret Park, MD 20896 on Thursday, Dec. 17. Roberto’s family will receive visitors from 10 to 11 AM, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered immediately following. Social distancing rules will limit the church capacity to 125 occupants.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Montgomery Hospice.

Vivat Jesus!