Robert William Poole

Robert William Poole was born on August 6, 1958 in Newfoundland, Canada and went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 7, 2024 (the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) in Merced, CA after a three month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and close friends.

Being from an Air Force family, Robert's father (Douglas Poole) was stationed at Castle Air Force Base three times. He and his family lived in various states and spent some time in Okinawa. Robert attended Atwater High School and was active in baseball and football. He graduated from Atwater High School in 1977. He later earned an associate degree in general education from Merced College.

Robert’s work history was varied. He had assorted jobs from shoveling chicken waste at Foster Farms to operating a forklift at McLane Pacific. After 13 years of warehouse work, Robert returned to Merced College to earn another associate degree and his certification as a radiologic technologist in 1999. For the last 25 years Robert was proud and honored to work for El Portal Imaging Center. He was so happy that he could walk to and from work every day no matter the weather.

Robert met his future wife, Theresa (Kolda), at a wedding in Castro Valley, CA in June 1982. They married in October 1983. Together they had two children Luke and Laura (Poole) Ruell. Robert was devoted to his family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, working in the yard, caring for our feathered friends, baseball, football, trips to the coast and trips to the foothills to see the wildflowers in spring. Robert also enjoyed coaching his children and grandchildren and watching their games.

Robert was well known for his smile, his happy spirit, and his willingness to help others… family, friends and strangers. He volunteered at Our Lady of Mercy School and at Our Lady of Mercy/St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he and his wife have been active.

Over the last eight years Robert enjoyed being Papa to six grandchildren. He loved having them over for sleepovers, barbecues, outdoor play, adventures, feeding the donkeys and zedonk, family celebrations, etc.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Douglas Poole. He is survived by his wife Theresa (Kolda) Poole, his two children Luke (wife Anna), Laura (Poole) Ruell (husband Ken), his mother Yvonne Poole Stubbs, his sister Yvonne (Poole) Lawrence (husband Kenny); his brother Jimmie; six grandchildren Aubrey, Connor, Natalie, Wyatt, Everett, and Alice; and several nieces and nephews.

The Rosary will be at 10:30am on Friday, June 28, 2024 at St Patrick”s Catholic Church (671 East Yosemite Ave. Merced). The funeral Mass will start at 11:00am following the Rosary.

The family thanks the many family and friends for their continuous prayers and unwavering support.

Robert was a bright and cheerful man and he requested that those attending his funeral wear “happy” colors.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to any of the following:

American Cancer Society

Hinds Hospice

Our Lady of Mercy School

Our Lady of Mercy/St. Patrick’s Catholic Church