Robert Berbena Jr. was born in Modesto, California, on September 15, 1961. Robert attended Davis High School, where he had a passion for football and was voted “best all-around” his senior year. After high school, Robert attended Modesto Junior College (MJC) where he played middle linebacker for the MJC Pirates “crazy man football.” This season would go down in Modesto history as the 1980 MJC Pirates went undefeated and won a national championship. Robert then attended Columbia College and earned an associate degree in fire science.

Robert began his career with the California Department of Forestry (CDF), then worked for two years at Tracy Rural Fire District. In 1985, Robert was hired with Modesto Fire Department, where he would retire at the rank of captain in 2014.

Robert lived ten lifetimes in one. He finished multiple marathons, loved to travel, was dangerous on the golf course, and touched the lives of all who were lucky to call him a friend.

On December 29, 2024, Robert passed away from his battle with leukemia. He is survived by his two children, Danielle and Anthony.