In loving memory of

Louis Escobar
October 9, 1938 - October 21, 2022

Louis Escobar, 84, of Escobar Farm in Portsmouth, RI, passed away at home on October 21, 2022. He was the husband of Jane (Rzegocki) Escobar.

Louis was born to the late Antone and Mary (Gomes) Escobar in Middletown, RI and lived his whole life at Escobar Farm in Portsmouth. Anyone who knew him knows how passionate he was about farming, open space and working the land. One of his proudest legacies is the preservation of the land he loved through the Aquidneck Land Trust and its contribution to the character of Portsmouth. Even after the tractor accident that left him a functioning quadriplegic, he continued roaming the farm in his wheelchair, directing happenings in the barn, the corn maze, the inn and the fields. His sense of humor never left him; no matter what life dealt him, he always had a sharp comeback.

He loved to educate the general public on the impact of dairy farmers in daily life by giving tours to anyone who stopped by, explaining how the milk industry runs and bringing people on to the farm with the corn maze where they were able to learn about feed production and experience the outdoors. He promoted agriculture by working at the local, state and federal levels. He was President and a founding member of Rhody Fresh, a member of the Agrimark/Cabot co-op, a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions as well as being profiled in the film, "Forgotten Farms." Affectionately referred to as Mr. Portsmouth, he was known for hosting Portsmouth's 4th of July fireworks over the cow pastures, bringing calves to local events, doing tractor rides at Touch-a-Truck, just to name a few. He was proud to be a mentor to all the young people who have come to work on the farm over the last 65 years, right up to the young ladies presently helping with milking and chores.

Louis is survived by his wife, Jane Escobar, his children: Lori (William) Clarke, Michael Escobar, and Lisa (Kevin) Hertzog; his former wife, Lorraine Hall; his siblings Antone Escobar of Springfield, OR, Manny Escobar, Mary Silveria and Josephine Vierra, all of Portsmouth, Sadie Mott of Lady Lake, FL; grandchildren Jason (Tyler) Escobar, Jenna Clarke, Conner and Tanner Hertzog, great-grandchild Dylan Escobar, and many nieces and nephews and their children.

We want to thank his local doctors in particular Dr. Robert Carrellas, the staff at Dana Farber, the CNAs, nurses and therapists from Visiting Nurses Home and Hospice and his home caregivers. He is now truly "Better than Ever."

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 10:00 AM in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow in St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Mr. Escobar's name to the Aquidneck Land Trust or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Tributes

Joyce Rolfe wrote on Mar 9, 2023:

"Deepest Sympathy to the Escobar family. From: The Soares Family "

MICHAEL A FERREIRA wrote on Oct 29, 2022:

"LOUIE I DONT KNOW IF YOU MAY REMEMBER ME BUT BEING LIVING IN PORTSMOUTH AND RAISED THERE I REMEMBER YOU AND TALKING TO YOU HERE AND THERE AND SURLY YOU ARE A MANS MAN, PORTSMOUTH RESIDENTS AND BEYOND WILL MISS YOU AND I AM SADDENED THAT YOU HAVE PASSED . MAY YOU REST IN PEACE LOUIE GOD BLESS YOU "

Katherine DeWolf wrote on Oct 27, 2022:

"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Escobar. It seems the Rhode Island farming community will not be the same without him. My mother loved taking my sister and me to visit Escobar Farm when we were younger (early 2000s). Mom would always get incredibly excited to see any of the cows, and her excitement passed down to me as I am now in veterinary school studying Dairy Production and Medicine. So, needless to say, though I wasn?t close to the Escobar family, Mr. Escobar had a profound positive effect on my life. Thank you to Mr. Escobar and family for being part of my journey. I am so sorry for your loss and am sending a big hug to you all. "

Steve Ouellette wrote on Oct 26, 2022:

"I met Louis several years ago in physical therapy. He was quite a character. We went through sessions together and he pushed me through with his unbelievable upbeat spirit. You would never know he was "confined" to his chair. His smile and jokes kept me positive. May light and love shine upon his soul, he was a wonderful person ... My sincere condolences to his wife Jane and the entire Escobar family. RIP KIND Sir... you will be missed"

Preston anderson wrote on Oct 25, 2022:

"So sorry for farmer Louis passing may he Rest In Peace"

Vanessa Rodriguez Donate wrote on Oct 25, 2022:

"I never personally met him but I brought kids out to his corn maze he seems like a very nice guy he will be missed but not forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with his family ??"

Eileen Westgate wrote on Oct 25, 2022:

"I never personally met Louis Escobar, but feel so sad to hear of the passing of a man is a legend and who has contributed so much to Aquidneck Island and our state. Condolences to his family and many friends. Louis will be missed by many. "

Judy Crawford wrote on Oct 25, 2022:

"Very sad to hear of cousin, Louie passing. I remember visiting my Aunt Mary at the farm and Louie always being there. He was upbeat and had a story to tell. My Mom was always happy to visit the Escobar clan. He will be missed by many and Portsmouth has lost a good man. God bless. Judy Crawford "

Joseph J Medeiros wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"Louie was quite a character and loved farming ! Always had a good laugh when I did see him . Remember him planting corn on my grandfather?s farm on Wapping Rd ( Swan Farm ) . After moving to Florida would make sure to stop by with the kids to give them a look at farm life and he was great telling them about it, petting and feeding the calves! R.I.P. my friend and say hi to all my family and friends! Prayers for you and your family . Joseph J Medeiros and family "

Mark Brodeur RI Tourism wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"It is with great sadness that I hear the news Louis ?s passing. I first met him when he helping to form rhody fresh, building an ecotourism program at the farm, managing the dairy farm and bed-and-breakfast. He was a pioneer, a humble man I was immediately drawn to him by his kind and giving nature. May he rest in peace and may all of us learn from his example, My sincere condolences to his family. "

Katrina White wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"My condolences to the Escobar family. I met Louis many years ago while working for the Rhode Island Tourism Division, and liked him immediately. What a big, wonderful personality! He will be missed. I wish Louis and the family peace. "

Steven Amaral wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"Very sorry for your loss, lost my dad 5 months ago, know how hard it is."

John Kane wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"Wow, what an interesting accomplished man! A Life well lived. "

Andy Bacon wrote on Oct 24, 2022:

"Jane and the entire Escobar family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very trying time. We have truly lost one of the greatest human beings I have ever meet. Rest in peace my friend. "