Dearly Departed

 July 1, 1946 - April 24, 2026  

In loving memory, we announce the passing of Robert Sucher of Fallbrook, CA, on April 24th, 2026.

Robert was born on July 1st, 1946, in Cincinnati, OH, and remained a proud product of the city’s west side throughout his life. He grew up steeped in the traditions of his community, graduating from Elder High School before continuing his education at Xavier University. These years formed the foundation of a life defined by loyalty, hard work, and a "Pro Deo et Patria" spirit.

Robert spent the majority of his professional career in the banking industry. While respected for his financial expertise, he viewed banking as a means to fulfill his true calling: providing for his family. He selflessly moved them across the country to ensure his wife and children always had the very best opportunities, viewing every relocation not just as a career step, but as a gift to his family’s future. Despite the many miles and different cities, he never lost his Cincinnati roots.

On November 11th, 1972, Robert married the love of his life, Joan Sucher. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising two sons and creating countless cherished memories.

Upon retirement, his dedication to family continued, as Robert and Joan made the move to California to spend quality time with their grandchildren during their early years. Even after their grandchildren and family moved on to new chapters, Robert and Joan chose to stay in Fallbrook, where they had found a great community of loving and caring friends. Robert lived a deeply fulfilling life defined by his faith and his devotion to others. An active member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a familiar face at church and a frequent volunteer for neighborhood, local community, church and charity events. He was known for his remarkable attention to detail and his generous heart. He never missed an opportunity to send birthday and Christmas cards to his many friends, ensuring everyone in his life felt remembered and loved.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his children, Robert and Jonathan; and his two grandchildren Will and Drew, who were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Kathy and Jeri, who continue to carry on the family’s traditions. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rita, whom he loved very much, and he now joins them in eternal rest.

While the last six months of his journey brought the humble challenges of cancer and dementia, he faced them with the same strength that defined his character. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we remember a life very well lived.

 March 3, 1941  -  March 21, 2026   

Our beloved John Patrick Roberts, 85, of Carlsbad, California, passed away on March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.

John was born on March 3, 1941, in New York City, and grew up in Summit New Jersey (NJ).  After graduating from Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison NJ, in 1958, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Seton Hall University in 1962 and a Master of Business Administration from Seton Hall in 1964 focusing on marketing and management.

Early in his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility at General Foods, Hunt- Wesson, Buitoni Foods, and Riviana Foods. He later served as President of Romanoff International, where he branched into specialty foods.  In 1989, he joined the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), now known as the Specialty Food Association (SFA).  He served as President of NASFT for nearly 18 years, retiring in 2006.  NASFT membership doubled during his tenure, and revenues increased from $4 million to $22 million.  After 2006, John continued to provide his expertise to the specialty food industry as the owner and president of Blackpoint Management, an independent consulting firm.  In 2014 he was inducted into the Specialty Food Association’s Hall of Fame for his positive impact on the industry, and in 2015 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Specialty Food Association for his outstanding contributions.

As a resident of the La Costa Glen community, he served as treasurer of the Resident Council and liaison to the Finance Committee and contributed his talents and energies to the Health Center Wellness Fund and Employee Appreciation Fund. 

John is survived by his sister-in-law Lorraine (Joseph Calvarese), brother-in-law Ronald (Rose Masi), sister-in-law Erna, and his sons John and Richard. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, and his son Kenneth.  He is also fondly remembered by his daughters-in-law Leslie, Sylvia, and Deborah, granddaughters Christiana (Patrick Rooney), Sophia, Isabella, grandson Jonathan, great grandson Liam, and his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues continue to share treasured memories of his insight, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

 December 5, 1929 - March 23, 2026   

David (Dave) Andrew Sheppard passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026.

Dave was the son of May and David Sheppard and brother to Barbara and Margie. He grew up in Ontario, Canada where he met the love of his life, Aileen Halton. They were married for 73 years. Dave served in the U.S. Airforce. In 1955, they moved to Torrance, California where they raised their children and Dave, a general contractor, owned and operated Hermosa Construction.

Aileen and Dave retired to Fallbrook, California 36 years ago. They were active community members and dedicated parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Parish. Dave was a member of the Navy League, and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. His favorite hobby was ship modeling, but he also loved playing the piano, reading, and history. He was the father of 8, grandfather to 14, great-grandfather to 24. Dave will be remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering integrity, leadership, and great sense of humor. He was a good man, and he will be missed dearly.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 8, from 4-8 p.m. at Fallbrook’s Berry-Bell Mortuary. Funeral mass at St. Peter’s in Fallbrook on April 9 at 11a.m. with reception immediately following on site. All who knew him are welcome to attend.

January 20, 1952  - March 9, 2026 

Ed Mitchell beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on March 9th, 2026. He was 74. Born to Helen and Jay Mitchell in Modesto, the family moved to Whitethorn, CA. when Ed was two. Ed spent many summers working in the woods with his dad and began driving a logging truck when he was 16. He loved working outdoors. He was proud of his "Thorn" heritage...his early years in the rural mountains of the north coast and the ethics imparted were evident for the rest of his life.

Ed had a ten-year career with Bank of America, which taught him the financial aspects of real estate. He then began developing land for residential projects. For 18 years he built many beautiful homes around the town of Sonoma and later in Fallbrook. His most recent accomplishment, working closely with his wife and son, was the Haehl Creek Subdivision.

Ed was well known for his work ethic, love of family and friends, and his generous spirit. He was an avid hunter his entire life. Ed enjoyed entertaining friends and family at his ranch and was a master at the grill. Ed was a unique individual, who could get things done, whether it was at a public hearing, a construction job site, or on his ranch, which captivated his heart. He loved meeting people and was quick to make friends. He always took time to stop and chat with everyone he knew and touched many lives.

One of Ed's dreams was to raise cattle, so In 1986 he and his dad bought his first 16 cows. He took great pride in the healthy, beautiful animals he raised.
Ed delighted in time spent with his son, James. He began coaching him when he was six and continued through High School. They loved to hunt, golf, enjoy water sports and be together with friends and family. They shared a special bond and while it may feel like this happened too soon, the apple did not fall far from the tree.

Ed is survived by his wife Barbara, son James (Christina), grandchildren Claire and Benjamin, brothers Jay and Guy, and mother-in-law Arden Fenwick. 

 January 29, 1942 - February 23, 2026 

Francisco "Frank" Barajas, 84, of Escondido, California, passed away on February 23, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1942, in Menard, Texas to Ramon St. Barajas and Felicitas Espinosa Barajas.

Mr. Barajas worked in the potato fields in Colorado, where he met and married his beloved wife, Petra Enriquez Barajas, on May 23, 1970. They made their home in Escondido, CA. He dedicated more than 20 years of service to Nibletts Oilfield Services before retiring.

He is survived by his daughters, Diana Martinez and husband Gerald Martinez, Gloria Barajas, and Annette Santellano and husband Steven Santellano; his sons, Frank Jr. Barajas and wife Melissa Barajas, and Edward Barajas and wife Ernestina Brajas, his siblings, Ramiro Barajas, Ramon Jr. Barajas and wife Ellia Barajas, and Maria Hill and husband Moses Hill; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Sr. and Felicitas Barajas; his wife, Petra Barajas; his brother, Greg Barajas; and his sisters, Ninfa Fuentes and Ermenia Mejia.

Francisco will be remembers for his deep love for his family, his strong work ethic, and the life he built in Escondido. Anyone who knew him knew he was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, cheering them on every chance he got. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

 October 25, 1931 - January 21, 2026 

Dorothy passed away on January 21, 2026 in Riverside, California, at the age of 94. She was born October 25, 1931 in Brownwood, TX., and grew up in Sunnymead, Ca. She graduated from Poly High in Riverside, Ca.

Mom married Sherill Grossman shortly after graduation in 1949, and she lived in Fallbrook for well over 70 years, She worked at the Maie Elementary School cafeteria and eventually became the food supervisor. Both Dorothy and Sherill were well known in the community.

After Sherill's death, she lived alone in Fallbrook for many years, until the decline of her health forced her to live closer to her daughter in Riverside.

Dorothy leaves behind her loving family; Daughter Kathy Haselwood and son in law Jim Haselwood, Son Randy Grossman and partner Linda Holte; Grandchildren Christopher and Scott Haselwood; Melissa Moore/ Ed; Sara Bueno; Great Grandchildren Randie Bueno, Elizabeth Bueno, Kennedy Moore, Channing Moore. One Brother Jimmy Wilson.

Dorothy had many, many friends that she cared for deeply, she will be missed. We all love you Mom, and you will live always in our hearts forever.

 February 5, 1943 - January 13, 2026   

William Morris Crocker aged 82, passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2026 at their home in Fallbrook, CA. 

William “Bill” Crocker was born on February 5, 1943 in Bremerton, WA, as the eldest child to Donald and Mary Louis Crocker. As a teenager, he lived at the home of his grandparents on a farm in Monroe, WA (Morris and Katharyn Shrum). 

William is survived by one sister, Kathleen Sanford; with two sisters who passed away at early ages (Patricia Crocker, aged 13 and Sheila Crocker, aged 63). William is survived by his wife, Lily Simpson, whom he married in 2020. He has two children: Shelly Gaul, aged 58 and Daniel Crocker, aged 57. He has three grandchildren: Kendall Gaul, aged 29; Keaton Gaul, aged 26; and Cyrus Crocker, aged 15.

A talented builder and leader within his community, William had a special knack for providing answers and results while solving problems. He served on the Oakcrest Board of Directors for 11 years. His work career included working as a project manager building Lowe’s Home Improvement stores across the PNW. 

Besides spending time with his family and friends, William was tenacious in digging deep for life’s answers and acquiring knowledge; loved taking long walks along the beach and in nature with his lovely wife, Lily; gardened; loved to cook; encouraged education and success for his children; and especially loved to share a good belly laugh over a true-to-life story.    

William was a spiritual man involved in The Church of Latter-day Saints. Please join us in celebrating a life well-lived at his service on January 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM.