Robert Eugene Gunthner Sr.

Robert Eugene Gunthner Senior August 11, 1934 – May 14, 2023 Robert (Bob) Eugene Gunthner, Sr. was born on August 11, 1934, and passed away peacefully in his sleep while residing in his son’s family home in Vallejo on May 14, 2023. Bob is survived by his sister, brother, five children, two nieces, three nephews, their children, and grandchildren. He was adopted shortly after birth, by Harry and Cecilia Gunthner, a loving Catholic family. In October 1934, Bob was baptized at St. Joseph’s in Union City, NJ. His parents later had 2 biological children to make him a big brother to Celie and Harold. While living in New Jersey, Bob became an altar server when the Mass was still said in Latin which began a Catholic service life. The family moved to Colorado from New Jersey due to Cecilia’s asthma condition to pursue a drier climate. Despite the change, his mother died from complications due to pneumonia and was buried on his 18th birthday. It was around this time that Bob had enlisted in the Air Force and began his first serious relationship, which ended fairly quickly. A few years later Bob met Betty May Rodrigues at a bowling alley in San Francisco. Betty, being born in Hawaii, witnessed the Pearl Harbor attack, the family soon scrambled to get off the island and relocated to Richmond CA. Bob and Betty shared a short courtship, tying the knot in October 1955. Forgoing a honeymoon, Bob and Betty settled in San Francisco, where they began raising five children including Robert Eugene Jr (1956), Edward Arthur (1959), Anthony Michael (1960), Theresa Marie (1964) and Michelle (1966). Sadly, one of their sons Timothy suffered complications and passed 8 hours after being born. The couple endured this heartbreaking loss and several other miscarriages. They were married 15 years with good times and bad, ending when they determined there were irreconcilable differences. Bob stayed in contact with Betty and the kids, helping when he could. After Bob and Betty divorced in 1970, Bob went on a path to find his get rich business, meeting new people, business partners and female partners. He met a younger dancer/model, Cindy, married her and took her with him as he traversed the globe. When they split, he was single again for only a short time. He then fell in love with a hairstylist Karen, who he married for ten years, living at times on both coasts. While he was in his late fifties, he was finally experiencing the lifestyle he could be proud of. Bob started going back to church to worship and learn the absolute most he could about being Catholic. This is when he found a woman who would share his affinity for the church. Her name is Shirley, she was a lady who he could grow spiritually with. He was a stepfather to Shirleys three children. He treated them well. Bob was blessed with eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Kisha, Julia, Rachel, Joshua, Jennifer, Heather, Angelina, Shane, Royce, Kenneth, and Keanu. The great-grandchildren; Zechariah, Madison, Isaiah, Nova, Abigail, Alexander, Austin, Aiden, Gabriel, Malachi, Romann, Charlee, Ezekiel, and Roman. After the Air Force, Bob went on to be a municipal bus driver for the city of San Francisco. He also drove Taxicab and later hustled as a photographer/filmmaker in SF/LA. He started a custom ammunition business in Vermont, while running a farm. Bob moved to Reno, managed a Radio Shack, and secured a bachelor’s degree while dealing in the casinos. That is where he invested in and finally ended his career as an alternative telephone book advertising salesman and partner. Bob was also fond of his hobbies, including being an avid golfer for many years, scoring a hole in one. In his younger days he raced motorcycles in Vacaville, eventually being a commentator at Sears Point Raceway, (Infineon). He also built and flew control line and remote-controlled airplanes, building such a passion that he eventually got his pilot’s license to fly and own two single engine aircraft. He flew his family and friends all over this country. His most serious life choice was when he re-established his relationship with the Catholic church and became an active member in community service by being a District Deputy with the Knights of Columbus, a minister of hospitality and lector at Masses. Bob was a devoted member of the Lions Club as well, receiving several participation awards and was Lion of the year. He loved dancing and was a lady’s choice in the senior circuit dance halls where he cut the light fantastic to his favorite music, including big band and the rat pack, especially Frank Sinatra. Bob was always ready to be the life of the party by telling his jokes or to make a speech at the microphone. For sure Bob was a person that did it his way, was a loyal friend full of charm/wit and will very much be missed. Godparents Rita and Frank Ericho, Aunt kitty’s daughter Rita and her cousin

Robert Eugene Gunthner Sr.

August 11, 1934 - May 14, 2023