Robert Lewis "Bob" Maresca

Robert Lewis "Bob" Maresca, 82, passed away in his home in Fresno, California, on, September 12, 2003. He was born in Kingston, New York, on July 3, 1921, to Bessie Barber and Carl Maresca. Bob won a scholarship to Yale University, graduating in 1943. He attended Albany Medical College, graduating in 1945 as an M.D. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was stationed in Phoenix, Arizona, where he remained after his discharge as a Captain until 1948. Bob was one of the first certified anesthesiologists in the United States. He completed a second residency with the House Clinic in Los Angeles, becoming a certified Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. During his long career in Phoenix, he provided exemplary medical care to generations of patients, making rounds morning and evening, little black bag in hand. After his first retirement in 1978, he taught at Arizona State University. He opened the worlds of science and medicine to many of his students. Bob also flew to remote reservations and provided free medical care. In 1993, he retired again and moved to Fresno, California. Bob could not stay away from medicine, however, and began again working at the BAART methadone clinics. He was proud of the work he did there, supporting the efforts of his patients to lead clean, sober and productive lives. For the last 28 years, he was the Diversified Hearing Services Medical Director. Bob was interested in everything and could converse on any topic. He loved music, from opera to barbershop, and performed with the Copper Statesmen barbershop chorus. Wherever he went and whatever he did, he remained the same man: humble, brilliant and generous with his time and friendship. He ended his life secure in the love of his family and friends, still passionately interested in science, medicine, music and everything else, and making future plans. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda Maresca; his brother, Ronald Maresca; his children, Barbara Cottage, Karen Maresca Mac Dougall, Kristi Green, James Benson, Stephanie Kerkorian, Patrick Bass and Kristina Bass; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at Brophy Chapel, 4701 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012 at 2:00 PM on October 5, 2003. In recognition of his lifelong love of science, children and learning, the family asks that those who wish to commemorate his life donate to the Taylor Observatory & Planetarium Telescope Fund, c/o the Lake County Office of Education, 1152 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453.