Robert Fiorilla passed away at a local hospital on Friday, February 16, 2018. He was 94.
Robert was born on February 2, 1924 in Buffalo, New York. He grew up in Homer, Michigan where he attended grammar and high school. In his senior year at Homer High he decided to join the U.S. Navy. WWII was happening at this time and he soon found himself on a ship headed for Guadalcanal. Following his time there he was at Alameda, Livermore and Watsonville Naval Bases. After his discharge he worked for Watsonville Cannery, Pepsi Cola Co. and retired from Seven Up Bottling Co.
Robert was a Veterans of Foreign Wars member since 1943. He served as the local Commander for four terms. He was active in several organizations including the Italian Catholic Federation, Sons of Italy, 65-50 Club, SIR, American Legion, the Amvets, Watsonville Volunteer Fireman, six years as president of Bay Village Homeowner’s and others. In 2005 he returned to Homer and received his High School Diploma.
Robert leaves his wife, Betty; daughter, Betty Kittle; step-children, Jim and Tom Spinetti and Claudia LaRue; grandsons, Bob Kittle, Scott Spinetti, Chris and Justin LaRue; granddaughters, Erin LeFrancois, Jennifer Lightfoot, Jeannine Joseph and Andrea Kostielney. He also leaves 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel on Monday, March 5, from 4-7 pm with a Chapel Blessing at 6 pm followed by a VFW honor guard service. A private burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz at a later date. Any donations in Robert’s memory would be very much appreciated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1716 in Freedom or the Valley Catholic Church in Watsonville.
