The “sales pitch” worked! ….
The “sales pitch” worked!
Bob embarked on a career with the U.S. Postal Service, where he served for 36 years. He retired from the postal service on Aug. 29, 1980, as director of customer service. He has been retired for 42 years.
Ro retired from North American Aviation Corporation in 1975. The traditional family dinners continued after their move to California and just got bigger.
Ro had five brothers who also had families, so this made the family gatherings rather large, and he loved it. After a huge meal, the men would sit around the table and play cards while sipping wine. The women would drink coffee and eat Italian pastries while talking and, of course, all those kids were having a wonderful time with their cousins.
After his in-laws passed, Bob and Ro had their once-a-week spaghetti night also—with perhaps a glass of wine for Bob. Family gatherings and those traditional foods—including corn beef and cabbage for the Irish in him—are still a part of Bob’s family life.
Bob and Ro were married for 79 years during which they had two daughters, Rita and Patti, who were raised in Long Beach, four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (three of which are a set of triplets).
Bob and Ro were active in everything their daughters participated in. Bob was always the girls’ biggest fan and was there for all of it—dance, baton, music lessons and more. Then came the four grandchildren, Stacey, Scott, Tony and Danny, and this same support was bestowed on them.
On the weekends, you could find him on a soccer field cheering for the boys, by the pool cheering for Stacey as she did her water ballet, and, of course, on the beach cheering for Scott as he competed in surf contests. He and Ro shared a deep love for family, enjoyed traveling and always enjoyed the company of the many friends they made. When Bob retired from the U.S. Postal Service, it was on a Friday.
He and Ro left to “see the world” that Monday. Their first trip was to Europe and they visited all the European countries. Over the next few years, they traveled to China, Japan, Russia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and, of course, many areas in the United States.
This was a dream come true for both of them, and they enjoyed every minute of it.
Bob and Rosalie moved into Leisure World, Mutual 15, March 17, 1999, on St. Patrick’s Day. That made St. Patrick’s Day even more special for Bob since this holiday is a favorite!
They have always enjoyed spending time with friends, and enjoyed all the activities in Leisure World. The Amphitheater shows, the day trips and the Christmas show each year in La Mirada to see “The Young Americans.” They also enjoyed hosting fun bunco parties and the wonderful people they met over the years.
In 1996, they became great-grandparents and were thrilled. As each great-grandchild was born, they never missed a birth—yes, they were at each hospital for all 11 great grandchildren. It didn’t matter what time of the night it was, Bob and Ro were there. While awaiting the birth of great-grand Dylan, Bob called the front gate at Leisure World to clear the way for Rita to come in the gate.
Bob said, “WE’RE HAVING A BABY,” the guard said, WHAT??? When Rita arrived at the gate at 2 a.m. on a rainy night, Security was at its best “ushering” her through to get Bob and Ro. When they exited the gate, the guard yelled “BABY?”
Security was just as excited as they were! The last birth was especially exciting for the family because the family was blessed with a set of triplets.
As the great-grands grew up, Bob and Ro attended those soccer games, dance recitals, dive meets, volleyball games and baseball games. Chloe, Haley, Dylan, Cami, Madi, Parker, Hanna, Marco, Victoria, Clarisse and Jameson are now being loved by Bob, and every milestone in their lives he celebrates with them. Graduations, birthdays, awards and holidays find Bob with them, and they are grateful.
Last April, Cami got married, and what a thrill for Bob to have attended to see this very special occasion. It’s not often that a great-grandparent is able to attend the wedding of one of his great-granddaughters. Bob also attended the third birthday party for the triplets in September and realized that he was born 100 years before they were. Triplet Victoria is pictured with Bob. All of the great-grandchildren know how blessed they are to have him.
In 2020, Ro passed away, and that was a very difficult time for Bob and his entire family. Bob was also Ro’s biggest fan, encouraging her and supporting her in everything she was involved in.
The pandemic was quite bad at that time, which made things a little more complicated, but his family pulled together and was able to honor Ro for “A Life So Beautifully Lived.” His family always stays close and visits often. The phone calls and visits from LW friends and neighbors have been appreciated and always show him the love and respect he is so deserving of.
Bob is looking forward to celebrating his 104th birthday on Aug. 29, 2022 with family and friends this year.
Happy birthday to Bob Lynch!
