Robert Barbagelata

Robert D. Barbagelata Jan 9, 1925 Nov 6, 2010 Robert D. Barbagelata passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 6, 2010. He was 85 years old. Bob was born in San Francisco and raised in the Marina by his parents Dominic Barbagelata and Jane Frugoli. As a child, he loved fishing with his father down at the Municipal Pier. He also enjoyed exploring the Presidio with his brother and sister and playing jokes on the servicemen. He fondly remembered being one of the first to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge the day it opened. Bob attended St. Vincent de Paul Elementary and St. Ignatius High School. In 1942, he enrolled at the University of San Francisco. With the war raging overseas, he enlisted in the Navy during his freshman year. Commissioned as an Ensign, he spent a year on a Navy ship in the South Pacific. After returning to San Francisco, he graduated from USF in 1947. That fall, he entered USF's Law School, completed his coursework in two and one-half years, and passed the Bar six months ahead of his class. He was a loyal and faithful USF alumnus as well as a diehard Dons fan, frequently returning to the school with friends to watch basketball games. He took immense pride in his legal work and spent five decades as a trial lawyer in The City. In 1952, he established a firm on Geary Street, where he worked with a variety of associates until his retirement in 2000. His peers held him in great esteem, electing him President of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association in 1959 and President of the American Board of Trial Advocates in 1981. In 1990 was appointed to serve as Judge Pro Tem on the Superior Court of San Francisco. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the San Francisco Trial Lawyers in 2003 and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2005. His greatest joy was his family. In 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Doris Chatfield, and together they raised three children, Patricia, Robert, and Michael. His favorite family vacations usually involved camping and fishing. Bob and Doris shared a passion for travel and he made friends in every country they visited. Bob gave his business card to everyone he met, urging them to visit his beautiful city by the bay. His new friends arrived from every corner of the globe. He knew no strangers; he trusted his fellow man and opened his heart to everyone. Bob loved San Francisco. He rode Muni up until the day he died. He was a dapper gentleman and offered a smile to friends and strangers alike. If he saw someone standing on the bus, he would offer his seat, even if they were 20 years his junior. He was a man of deep faith and lived the values he believed in. He passionately advocated for the underdog and gave generously to those in need. As patriarch of the Barbagelata family, he was always there to lend a hand, offer advice, or give a hug or perhaps just a big, wet kiss to his children and nieces and nephews. He found great joy sharing food and wine with dear friends. The sunshine that was Bob will always shine bright in our hearts. Bob is survived by his wife Doris, his daughter Patricia B. Lefever (Bill), his sons Robert Barbagelata (Jean) and Michael Barbagelata (Cathy) and his four grandchildren, Dominic Lefever, Robert, Jackson, and Lily Barbagelata. He was pre-deceased by his sister Patricia Barbagelata, his brother John Barbagelata, and his nephew John Barbagelata Jr. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Street, San Francisco. McAVOY O'HARA CO 415-668-0077