Robert Wayne Faretta

1938 - 2025

Robert Wayne Faretta

March 18, 1938 - June 7, 2025

Merced, California - California and the United States lost a great public servant on June 7, 2025. The family of Robert Wayne Faretta (Bob) is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Bob was born in Fresno, CA on March 18, 1938 and ascended into heaven from Merced, CA on June 7, 2025. He grew up in Fresno, raised by his parents James and Jesse Faretta. In his youth, he served as an Altar Boy at St. Alphonso's Catholic Church in Fresno and worked as an elevator operator at St. Agnes Hospital. Bob graduated from St. Alphonso's Grammar School and Fresno High School before attending Fresno State University, where he met his future wife, Peggy Lockwood.

After graduating from Fresno State, Bob joined the US Army reserves in 1961. In 1962, he was called to active duty and served at the Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, WA in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his unit was deactivated, he returned home to Fresno where his lifetime of public service commenced. His first full-time civilian job was as a social worker for the Fresno County Welfare Department. His hard work and dedication enabled him to become the youngest social work supervisor in the department.

He moved to Merced, CA in 1966 and spent the final 59 years of his life in Merced, where he was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In Merced, Bob served the people of California for over 31 years as a California Youth Authority Parole Officer, where he helped hundreds of young people become productive members of society. He was also an active member of the Merced Breakfast Lions Club, serving as the Club's Secretary for several decades. During his tenure, Bob received the District 4-A1 100% Secretary Award on several occasions. His dedication and desire to serve led to perfect attendance at meetings for over 30 years. He was recognized with a lifetime membership in Lions International and was honored as the Club's "1977 Lion of the Year." He was also a member of Merced's American Legion Post 0083.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Peggy Lockwood Faretta; his three children and their spouses, Michael Faretta (Elaine), Patrick Faretta (Helen), and Shelly Faretta Butler (Steve); and five grandchildren, Elsa Faretta, Jeff Link, Andrew Faretta, Scott Butler, and Shawn Butler; and one great grandson, Waylon Link.

In addition to his decades of public service, Bob loved classical music, was an avid walker, and enjoyed entertaining his grandchildren with his awesome collection of model trains. He also liked to build things and could fix literally anything.

Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. on October 2nd 2025 at St. Patrick's Parish in Merced and at 1:30 p.m. on October 3rd 2025 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.