Robert Bleile

1922 - 2015

Robert Bertrand Bleile passed away on April 5, Easter Sunday in Lodi, CA with family by his side. What could be a more perfect day than Easter, the day we celebrate our Lord's resurrection and promise of eternal life! Bob was 92 years young!
Robert was born in Haddonfield, New Jersey in 1922 to Henry & Bertha Bleile. He was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, one of 12 siblings. Early on, music was an important part of his life and he played many instruments, loved to sing, and of course, dance! He was married in 1946 to Bernetta Moyer and they had 5 children. In 1957 they relocated to California, settling in South San Francisco where they raised their family and he started his career in electronics.
After retiring in 1980, he started his dream of traveling full time. Along with his 2nd wife Winona, they traveled the US for 20 years in their truck and RV trailer. The RV always had room for his organ so he could continue to enjoy his music along the way. One of his greatest satisfactions was visiting family and being the handyman, ready for any job that came along. His energy for projects was unmatchable … retirement did not mean slow down! He was also famous for always having the fixings for the best banana splits ever and he loved to share them with all of his large family.
After so many years of traveling, they once again settled down, this time in Lodi to be close to family. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church and the San Joaquin County Historical Society where he loved to play Christmas music on his organ for the Festival of Trees. Robert also traveled with his organ to various nursing homes in Stockton and Lodi to share his joy of music with the residents. He was an entertainer at heart and loved to see the smiles it brought to so many people. He will be remembered for his exuberance for life which was summed up by his favorite t-shirt that read, "I am not growing old, I am just marinating". Even in the last few years of his life when physical issues made life more challenging, his upbeat attitude, ready smile, and love of music will be what we remember. I don't think he ever had a "bad" day.
Robert is survived by his five children and their spouses, David & Zdenka Bleile of Woodside, Susan & Royce Tevis of Chico, Richard & Ana Bleile of Redwood City, Deborah & Gilbert Santiago of Vandalia, Ohio and Carol & Wyatt Gibbs of Lodi; 14 grandchildren, April Albers, Robin Sing, Daniel Santiago, Laura Santiago, Royce E Tevis, Alycia Coleman, Ian Tevis, Tracy Torres, Caryn Testa, Jason Bleile, Jeff Bleile, Tonya, Tristan Gibbs and Tyler Gibbs; and 18 great-grandchildren, 7 siblings, and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Bernetta and his second wife, Winona, and 4 siblings.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 1:30pm at First Baptist Church, 267 N Mills St Lodi in the Chapel, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hospice of San Joaquin or to the San Joaquin County Historical Society.