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Robert Coelho Obituary
November 7, 1941 - August 10, 2013
Resident of Almaden Valley (San Jose)
Bob passed away peacefully at home in San Jose. He was born in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The son of the late Edward and Lucille Coelho, he will be dearly missed by his wife Gretchen; brother Russell Coelho; sister Miriam Chipp (Rob); son Rob Coelho (Jennifer); daughter Erin Blodgett (Bill); son Darren Coelho (Shannon); beautiful grandchildren Samantha, Alyssa, Jared, Madison, Jackson, Matthew, and Michael; and much of the Almaden community.
A 1959 graduate of Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Bob attended Southern Oregon State and later Foothill College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. Bob worked for more than 50 years in the moving-and-storage industry. He began his career as a driver, and worked in many positions including sales (earning No. Calif. Salesman of the Year), Branch Manager, and V.P. of Operations. He enjoyed mentoring many people in the industry.
Bob and his family moved to Almaden in 1977. He cherished his family and friends, and lived life to the fullest. A doting father and grandfather, he loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, school activities, and performances. He also enjoyed traveling abroad with Gretchen, completing crossword puzzles in pen, solving the daily words-jumble in seconds, playing cards with family, and playing countless games of scrabble with Gretchen. Bob and Gretchen also participated in a monthly "gourmet" group—eating, drinking, and laughing with close friends for more than 35 years. On August 7, Bob and Gretchen celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in Seattle with friends.
Bob was an avid golfer and very active locally. For years he coached his sons' little league baseball teams, and served on the Board and as President of Almaden Little League. He also coached youth basketball and helped coach Leland High School's varsity basketball team from 1992-1996. He actively supported the Leland Booster Club. A charter Almaden Valley Kiwanis member, Bob served on the Board for several years, including multiple terms as President. With his close friend Ned Hales and members of the San Francisco 49ers, he also helped underprivileged youth through the Champs Foundation. Shortly after tragic deaths involving teen-driving in Almaden, Bob helped establish Almaden Cares, a nonprofit organization that promotes driving safely and avoiding distracted-driving. He served as the organization's President during 2013.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Bob's Life on Sunday, August 18, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Stone Church of Willow Glen, 1937 Lincoln Avenue (at Clark) in San Jose. Please sign the guestbook at (www.legacy.com). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Almaden Valley Kiwanis Turnaround Scholarship (almadenvalleykiwanis.org), Almaden Cares (almadencares.com), or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Coelho
Rob Coelho
August 9, 2021
It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be eight years. As a dad, you were an inspiring role model and inspiration. As Grandpa Shaka, you graced your grandchildren with love, support, and laughter. To the Almaden community, you were a rock of genuine caring and giving of your time and talents. I can see you in so many positive parts of our family. Keep smiling. Love, Rob
Jill Tompkins
August 9, 2020
Brad and I were married on August 10, 46 years ago. I had no idea we shared this date with Bob. However, I find it really appropriate as he loved any kind of celebration and he'd be the first to start partying. We really miss Bob and wish all good memories and thoughts to the Coelho family. Love you all!! From Brad and Jill:)
Rob Coelho
September 2, 2013
Thank you to Supervisor Mike Wasserman and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for adjourning their August 27, 2013 meeting in honor of our dad. Supervisor Wasserman includes some great facts and information about dad. It's Item 29a, which begins about 2:42:15 of the video and continues to 2:45:00.
http://sccgov.iqm2.com/citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=4630&MinutesID=4492&FileFormat=pdf&Format=Minutes&MediaFileFormat=wmv
An earliest memory: Standing proudly by your side, holding your hand, as you left for college in Oregon...now you've left again...Aloha Oe, Brother...
Miriam Claire Coelho Chipp
August 25, 2013
August 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gretchen and the Coelho family. We were unable to attend the Memorial. Having known Bob for some 30 years in the Moving Industry, Bob was always respected and professional and always with that infectuous sense of humor.
Doug Hill
August 19, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the Coelho Family, I remember his
great sense of humor when we shared a homeroom class at
St Louis School, a very sharp wit. Many treasured memories.
Everett Lee,,Honolulu
August 19, 2013
My sincere sympathy and condolence to Bob's family and his extended family. His classmate from St. Louis; Joe Dano '59
August 18, 2013
Knowing Bob and the entire Coelho family, I'm sure his "Celebration of Life" was a true celebration. Brad and I are so sad we could not be there. Bob was an inspiration to so many people, and he was a special friend to so many more (especially us). I will admit that when I called Gretchen and she was out for the night, I loved getting caught up with Bob. He was one of the true highlights in our lives. Bob helped so many people make their dreams come true. Brad and I will miss him. Aloha my friend.
Allan Ching
August 18, 2013
Our sincerest condolences and sympathy. A classmate from St. Louis School - Class of '59. Allan and Sonia Ching.
Cathy Riggs
August 18, 2013
Dear Gretchen, Rob, Erin and Darren.
So saddened to hear this news from Ryan. I will always think of Bob as such a kind and gentle soul. It is clear he has touched many people's lives. You will all be in our prayers.
Ken Bryant
August 18, 2013
As I read the other messages I realized that the warm, thoughtful and generous Bob I thought I knew was, in fact, exactly that person. I will miss him.
Vicky Diaz
August 17, 2013
My condolences to son Rob and the entire Coelho family. May your father's soul rest in peace and his memory live on forever.
Sincerely,
Debra Hilton
August 17, 2013
Rob: My deepest condolences to you and your family. May the memories you have of him comfort you during this difficult time.
August 16, 2013
No matter how long or recent our encounters, Bob always warmly made us feel like family and that no time had passed since our last visit. Bob was a great friend, coach, & neighbor. - George & Nancy Romer
Martha Kelley
August 16, 2013
There are friendships that are golden... Bob's friendship was one of those. The Wednesday lunches with Bob and Ned were a gift to each of us. Bob always had his hand extended to those in need and he had a miraculous way of finding solutions that made their lives easier. His sense of humor was so fun and silly always brightening the day. Ah but weren't we lucky to have had him in our lives? He loved his family so very much. Thank you for sharing him so generously with all of us. You are all in my heart.
Sarju Naran
August 16, 2013
My sincerest condolences to Rob, Jennifer, and the rest of the Coelho family. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob on a few occassions, and it was obvious that he was a great father, grandfather, and overall person.
Stricklin James (Jim)
August 16, 2013
First met Bob in 1974 and worked with him over the many years. He was truly a real tribute to the Moving and Storage business. Our thoughts are with you Gretchen and your family. Wish we could attend the services on Sunday but that will not be possible to show our respect to a great guy and also felt over the years was a friend.
The Howitson Family
August 15, 2013
Sending you all our thoughts during this very difficult time. Much love, Bonnie, Mark, Gabbie, Spencer and Garrett
Adele & Bob Shepard
August 15, 2013
To Gretchen and the entire Coelho family, Hoping you find comfort knowing that Bob touched so many lives and his spirit will continue through all those who knew him. We have you in our thoughts during this very sad and difficult time.
Dennis & Sheila Garvey
August 15, 2013
Worked with Bob for the better part of 17 years. As a matter of fact I was on the phone with him last week. Hard to think of him as gone. Can't make the "Celebration" on Sunday but please know our thoughts are with you and also know how deeply sorry we are for your loss.
Yvette Hotchkiss
August 15, 2013
Such fond memories of Bob. Big smile all of the time. Gretchen and family you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Patty Zahares
August 15, 2013
A sad day for all of us in the world of transportation...Bob was truly a mentor to all, you and old!
Wishes of comfort to his family!
Mike Zahares of TransTechnology Group
denise keller..miranda
August 15, 2013
Love to family
Kathleen DeLaney
August 15, 2013
I can't think of a single track meet or cross country race where Dad Coelho wasn't on the sidelines, cheering us all on. I remember his big grin and kind voice with a lot of fondness. Great memories of a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Rosalie Godtfredsen
August 15, 2013
Memories of Bob Coelho....a kind, wonderful person. Duke and I have memories of great times we spent with him and Gretchen. We are shocked to hear of his passing! We are so sorry we weren't able to get together like we planned! I know he will be missed by all that knew and loved him!!! May he RIP! Love, Rosalie and Duke Godtfredsen
sean dal colletto
August 15, 2013
Thinking back to when I was a kid playing at the Coelho house. I remember Bob as a kind man with a big smile. I know he will be missed greatly by his family; my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alicia (Ali) Gangi Malone
August 15, 2013
My memory of Bob is limited as I met him when I was quite young. Bob, Ned Hales and my father, Peter Gangi, were close friends and started Champs foundation together. If my father was still with us he would extend his love to Bob's family as I do at this time.
Kevin Pierce
August 15, 2013
I have many fond memories of Mr. Coelho from playing on or against his sports teams to hanging out at the Coelho house on weekends. He was always kind, positive and supportive with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Ryan Collingwood
August 15, 2013
Since I have learned of Uncle Bob's passing, I feel blessed to have been part of his extended family. I got to see Bob mainly at big family events throughout the years and will remember him fondly. Kind, gentle and funny. hearing "Winnner, winner chicken dinner!" being exclaimed at one of the family's card tables always made me laugh. You will be missed...
August 15, 2013
We are so thankful for the week we spent together in Hawaii in March of this year. Our family has so many happy memories from the 48 years we have shared with your family. We love you and will miss you terribly. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Leon and Miriam Dal Colletto
Amber Mayfield-Barci
August 15, 2013
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Many prayers to your family through this emotional time in your lives. God Bless you all.
Darren Coelho
August 14, 2013
It is an honor and a privilege to be your son. I love you
Dad and will miss you very much. You were larger than life and your desire to help people was so admirable. Thank you for being such a great man, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor for so many. You were the best.
Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills
August 14, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
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