It is with great sadness that the family of Roberto Mojica Tapia announces his passing on March 18, due to heart complications, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla. “Belto” was a devoted and loving son, father, brother and friend who left this world suddenly at the age of 63.
Roberto Tapia was born to Helena and Emilio Tapia on June 4, 1958, on St. Thomas, USVI. Belto served as a local police officer for over a two decades and became Department of Planning and Natural Resource’s Director of Environmental Enforcement in 2012, retiring in 2014.
Tapia was a lover of life and enjoyed preparing delicious and elaborate meals for his family and friends. He was an avid boat enthusiast and spent as much time as possible in the beautiful waters of the Virgin Islands.
Roberto is predeceased by his loving father, Emilio Tapia Mojica (August 5, 1995); sister, Myrtelina Tapia (April 24, 2012); and nephew, Francisco Tapia Pantojas (May 1, 2012).
He is survived by his partner, Ines King; children: Tenekua Dugan, Taisha Ottey, Tequioa Tapia, Aleja Tapia, Tajia Tapia, Rosa Tapia, Roberto Tapia Jr. and Tiah Tapia; and adopted children: Tamikka Wheatley, Aiesha Shachove, Aisha Sekou, Ahmed Sekou Thomas, Ajene Sekou McKnight, Susana Sashali King, Daliza Rosario, Tamar Corry and Malcom Corry.
He is also survived by grandchildren: Denekua Lynch, TeAndre Thompson, Judah Joseph, Tenayii Wheatley, Tenajii Wheatley, Jabahri Brown, Jayla Ottey, JahFari Green, Taylor Ottey, Darlin Rosario, Ronald Rosario and Adonai Yacub; beloved mother, Helen Tapia; former spouse, Barbara Buntin-Tapia.; siblings: Roylando Smith Sr., Ana Delia Tapia and Ricardo Tapia; and nephews: Roylando Smith Jr., Khalid Tapia, Leeroy Smith, Marco Tapia Pantojas, Wilburt Smith, Byron Blyden, Roystein Smith and Rueben Smith.
Other survivors include nieces: Raquel Bell, Yvonne Marie Pantojas Tapia, Rochelle Tapia and Jahkeema Charles; aunt, Clarita Turnbull and family; cousin, Elaine Freeman and family; close cousins: Gladys Collins Faulkner and Angel Tabilin Davila; special friends: Dr. Derek Burnett, John Woods, Cleve George, Trevor Homer, Edward Bertram, Steve Monsanto, Edison Spratley, Elvis Peterson, Renee George and family and the DPNR officers; as well as many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend the first viewing held from 4-6 p.m., Monday, April 4, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. A second viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 5, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will be at Western Cemetery No. 1.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
