Robert Louis Burrell

1931 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Louis Burrell (January 26, 1931 - June 9, 2025), who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and then went on to a long career in the United States Postal Service-beginning as a mail carrier and retiring as station manager of the downtown Napa branch-passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025. He was 94.

Robert Louis Burrell was born on January 26, 1931, in Napa, Calif., the younger of three sons and one daughter of William and Jovita Burrell. The family had relocated from Del Rio, Texas to a home on Hayes Street in Napa where Robert was born. As a boy, Robert was nicknamed "Buck," after cowboy movie star Buck Jones-a name that stayed with him through his life.

Robert graduated from Napa High School in 1949 and later obtained his associate's degree from Napa Valley College. On January 5, 1951, Robert joined the United States Marine Corps and was deployed in the forward areas of Korea. When asked about what he did during the war, he answered, "I tried to stay alive!" Shortly after his return from Korea, he started work for the United States Postal Service where his career spanned over three decades.

Robert wed his high school sweetheart, Isabelle "Rose" Silva on April 14, 1951. The two met, as teens, at the Napa County Fair. Together, the couple raised three children, Stephen, Mark, and Sandra, in their Alta Heights home. Married for 73 years, Rose described her marriage to Bob as a "long and happy" one. And, by all accounts, it was just that.

Bob was an outdoors man; he had his best time fishing and hunting with his two sons. He also enjoyed sports-he was a lifelong 49ers and Giants fan, an advanced student of karate, an umpire for local high school and American Legion baseball teams, and an avid golfer. Bob and Rose were members of the Napa Valley Country Club for many years and spent much of their retirement on the golf course. Bob loved telling stories about travels, with Rose by his side, to all seven continents and of adventures towing their RV in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Each summer, Bob took pride in growing the sweetest watermelons in his backyard garden. Bob would be the first to tell you he was a lucky man and that he had completed everything on his bucket list, and more.

Robert is survived by his three children: Stephen (Geri) Burrell and their children, Ashley Burrell and Joshua Burrell; Mark (Mary) Burrell and their children, Bob Silva and Monica Silva; Sandra Foley and her children, Dana Perkins and Lyle Foley; and five great-grandchildren (and dog, Sophie). Robert Louis Burrell