Lifelong Resident of Fresno,10-31,1937 to 7- 6,2017; Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and trusted friend,Robert Andrew Azzaro, passed away this past week with Deanna "DeDe", his loving wife of 59 years at his bedside. Bob Azzaro was born at the original St. Agnes Hospital 79 years ago to John and Anita Azzaro, who were the founders of San Francisco Floral Company, a 104 year old Fresno business which continues to operate today. Bob provided for his family and made the necessary sacrifices for their wellness throughout his life. He was passionate about the game of football, not so much as a fan, but as a disciplined measuring of life's victories and setbacks. His best friend was his father, who died when Bob was 17 years old. Left without his mentor, he focused on football, and earned respect from older players and coaches for his fierceness and savvy. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955, and was proud of playing in the very first City-County All Star football game, and later playing at Fresno State College. Bob was a major proponent of youth sports, particularly the Pop Warner Football Program, where he served as president for several years. He related to young players who, for one reason or another, had no father or role model in their lives. For more than a dozen years, those youngsters who could not afford the luxury of football cleats, transportation to practice and games, and many times, even a meal, were the benefactors of Bob's generosity. He loved to witness their budding spirits on the field of competition, whether up and coming future star athletes or average kids that were better off at practice instead of on the street in harm's way. Bob's teams learned the basics of being on time, being responsible to others, and never quitting. His sometimes gruff exterior and tough guy disposition was an ineffective mask that tried to conceal who Bob really was. His love for his family and extended family was of paramount importance to him. Sunday afternoon gatherings, Bob arranged to have at his home with his family and extended family, all enjoying quality time together, will forever be cherished. Bob loved life through all the tough times, betrayals, and disappointments. He knew those times made him and whoever walked with him a better and more faithful person. Bob prayed every day for God to bless and protect his family, those who served our country, along with anyone who was without the necessities to survive. He was a generous man, civic minded, serving as president of the Fresno County Mosquito Abatement District for more than 40 years. Bob donated flowers and decorations to local churches for more than 50 years and was a parishoner of St. John's Cathedral for the past 60 years. The love and devotion for his wife DeDe was an extraordinary example of a lifelong love. Together they were united when it came to decisions regarding the health and welfare of the family, a continuing model to all the people that he loved, to never quit, stay the course, and ultimately be rewarded with benefits greater than monetary wealth. Bob fought the good fight, and will continue to be in our lives, our hearts, and our daily conversations. Bob is survived by his wife, DeDe Azzaro; his son and daughter-in-law, Vince and Tina Azzaro; daughter and son-in-law, Aimee and Mike Moore; son and daughter- in-law, Andy and Linda Azzaro; daughter, Noelle Acosta; his grandchildren, Michael Moore, Mia Williams, Meggie Gonzalez, Mollie Thomas, Christian Acosta, Gianna Azzaro, Savannah Acosta, Nico Azzaro, and Bianca Azzaro; and three great-grandchildren, Olive Moore, Caydence Williams, and Aesop Gonzalez. Bob also leaves his brother, Vernon Azzaro; along with countless friends, colleagues, and the young people to which he felt such a strong connection by helping them along in their life journey.
Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, July 16, 2017, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin on Sunday evening at Saint John's Cathedral at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John's Cathedral on Monday, July 17, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest in a private committal ceremony at St. Peter's Cemetery.
Bob's family asks that any charitable contributions be made in his memory to Valley Children's Hospital; the Boys & Girls Club; or simply hug, coach, or help a child.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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