1968

scmintern@scu.edu

Generous, deeply loving, and entirely a “Visalian” at heart, Robert John Fatica ’68 (aka R.J. Bobo, Bob, and Bobby)was born on Jan. 17, 1946, in Visalia, California, to John and Dorothy Fatica. He was a bright tornado of light who shined, and Mama Fatica said when Bob would come home he was a tornado on stage, eating, cajoling and entertaining… then he was gone. He attended George McCann School, graduated from Redwood High School, attended College of the Sequoia’s, and continued on to receive a degree in accounting at Santa Clara. Bob was a self-mployed CPA for 45 years. As a CPA, he was a genius and designed his office to work around his clients in every one of his offices. He was clever that way and wanted every client to have the fullest experience. Although proud of “good works,” Bob did not require accolades. Throughout his life, as early as high school, he just did what was on his heart. If one was fortunate to be at the right place and time, “Bobby” would buy sets of tires, finance nursing school for someone who rescued him and his friends off the 99, or pay for not one but two young people to have eye surgery. Bob served as board president for the Visalia Rescue Mission for three years during its time of transition into what it is today. He also served on numerous boards and anonymously helped many organizations and individuals, including securing the acquisition of the Fox Theatre, known today as Friends of the Fox. Bob married his best friend and love, Susan, whom he considered the yin to his yang and teeter to his totter. Mama Fatica once told Bob that he had met his match in Susan. Together, they conquered their huge mountain of life. Travel, music, sharing, caring, kids, grandkids, family, fun, tears, joy, sadness, spontaneity, distractibility—Bob was the real bigger-than-life deal. Bobby entered the gates of heaven on July 5, 2017, in Visalia at the age of 71. His final days were spent surrounded by family and close friends that he’d touched throughout his very memorable and huge life. Bob is survived by his wife, Susan; children Ryan Fatica and wife Monica and James Mazzotta and wife Yvonne; grandsons Jeremy, Zachary, Cameron, Gianno, Nico, and Corrado; sister Dorothy Del Col and husband Aldo; niece Christina and husband Jake; nephew David Del Col; great-niece and nephews Shyla, Jacob, and Jackson; and many more extended family members.

08 Nov 2018