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Robert Tonelli Obituary
Des Moines - Robert (Bob) Tonelli, 77, died on March 6, 2021 peacefully at home. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carolyn. He is survived by son Victor, daughter-in-law Darcie Vandegrift, family Melissa and Kim Curran-Moore, grandkids Ann, Risa, Eli, and Sophia and special friend ("penpal") Earline Sykes. Bob grew up in Santa Rosa, California and served the country in the U.S. Army as a career, working in three countries and living in 12 states. A political junkie and solid public speaker, he was regional manager for Ross Perot's 1996 campaign and ran local campaigns in Reno, Nevada. A lifelong learner and history buff, he read hundreds of pages most weeks. He was proud to be an American. Traveling, cribbage, good meals with family, oldies music, and helping others were favorite things. A generous family man, Bob made a difference in his kids' and grandkids' lives through deeds, love, and advice. He was well-loved and is much missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Tonelli
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
JAMES DROSKINIS
June 11, 2023
Loved this guy! He was a US Army Captain, Co Commander, in Wash, D.C. and I was his Exec Officer ( XO) in 1978-9. We last linked up in Indianapolis, IN, where he was Battalion CDR in 1986! Miss him...
Karen
August 10, 2021
Blessings to your family. Special teenage memory on Dutton Street.
Jay Barter
July 14, 2021
I was thinking about Bob today and did a search, only to find he had passed away. My condolences to his loved ones. Bob was a fine man, a courageous Vietnam Vet. We worked together for awhile, but most importantly I considered him a friend. I will never forget introducing him as such, on stage in front of a large audience as he was about to introduce Ross Perot to the crowd of supporters.
See you in the next life Bob.
Susie McClellan
March 18, 2021
I would like to extend my condolences to Nancy (Karen) and their family and friends.
May God bless you all and keep you near.
Chaplain Susie
Patricia Stevens Castino
March 17, 2021
Hi my name is Patty Stevens as Bob would know me. I went to grammar school at St. Roses with him. I thought he was a nice boy and very cute. He probably didn’t notice me, but I sure would have liked to have been a friend of his. We graduated in 57 and I never saw him again. Always wondered what happened to him. So sorry to hear that he passed. It certainly is a loss for you. God Bless
Cindy Chicoine & Morgan Rivers
March 9, 2021
We are grateful for Bob's life and his gift of Victor to the world.
You are all in our thoughts.
Kathy Zamudio
March 9, 2021
Bob would stop and talk with us during sunrise coffee on the deck. He would walk his dog and talk with her. Bob will be deeply missed as a wonderful neighbor and friend.
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