Robert Eugene DeBartolo's Obituary
Robert Eugene DeBartolo 1931 – 2024
Robert Eugene DeBartolo passed from this earth Saturday January 13, 2024. Bob as known to most, was born in Denver, Colorado, to parents John and Esther DeBartolo on January 2, 1931.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Jr., and two siblings.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Thomas and Jonathan Beauregard; daughters, Diane and Theresa; grandchildren, Candice, Jesse, Matthew and Nicholas.
Bob began working at a very early age during the great depression. He grew strong and overcame a difficult childhood. He served in the National Guard of Colorado, and the United States Navy. While in the Navy he achieved the status of All Service Boxing Champion in 1952. Honorably discharged in 1954. After the Navy Bob resided in Southern California. He had a 25 year career for General Telephone Company where he worked from Lineman to Service Manager. At this time, he chose to leave the corporate world and become an independent businessman.
Throughout the following years Bob owned and operated eight liquor and wine shops in Southern and Northern California, as well as Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. He also owned an Anheuser Busch Distributorship in Northern California and various real estate investments. Bob was a resident of Covina, California from 1954 through 1982; Grass Valley, California from 1982 through 1995; and a longtime resident of Fripp Island, South Carolina from 1995 through 2023. In addition to his work Bob served the Rotary Club and is a past president. He obtained a private pilot's license with an instrument rating and enjoyed over 10,000 hours of flight time. Bob treasured his family life and spent many hours coaching baseball and basketball for his sons. He strove to provide a stable home for his children. Bob was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services will be held 12:00 noon, Tuesday February 27, 2024 at Fripp Island Chapel, 205 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island, S.C. 29920. In lieu of flowers donations will be appreciated for Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Fripp Island Chapel, or Alzheimer's Family Services of Greater Beaufort.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, Florida is in charge of the arrangements.
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