Robert Dalton Dildine

1937 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Dalton Dildine, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 87 on January 26, 2025, at Vallejo Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Vallejo, California. Born on September 12, 1937, in Akron, Ohio, Bob was the son of Glenn and Lily (nee Whitling) Dildine. Bob lived a full life, marked by a variety of careers and interests. Bob lived in various places throughout his life. While his early years were spent in the East of the U.S., he also lived in many other places in his life including the San Francisco Bay Area, Arizona, Idaho, and Hawaii.

His early years were spent in Ohio, Maryland, and Washington D.C., growing up alongside his younger brother, David, and younger sister, Evelyn. He graduated from high school at Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Maryland. Even as a teenager, he showed great aptitude in working with cars. He and his brother liked to modify cars for racing and one family member remembers that he owned a "very souped up" Pontiac in those years. He competed in drag racing off and on for fun. Later he would discover a love for motorcycle riding as well. He owned several during his life and loved to take his wife on weekend drives with friends. He was a skilled mechanic who worked on a wide range of cars,trucks, and field/farm equipment during his life. From a vineyard management company in Napa Valley to San Francisco Honda in the heart of San Francisco, he could fix just about any machine that came his way. He really had a talent for working with his hands, creating beautiful furniture and completing various handyman projects. His skills extended to helping with family cars and other practical endeavors as well.

A veteran of the Air Force, Bob was trained and worked as a jet engine mechanic. It was during his service that he met his lifelong friend Tony Popson, who Bob introduced to his sister Evelyn, leading to their marriage that lasted for many years.

One of his other interests was dogs. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Bob was deeply involved in "the dog business," where he raised, bred, trained, showed, and judged dachshunds and whippets across many states. Alongside his ex-wife, Alice Zacherle, he co-founded Cinnabar Kennels in Napa Valley and they published Daschund Variety Magazine for three years together. As an AKC dog handler, he had many important wins in the show ring throughout several states. Bob's affection for dogs, especially whippets, remained strong throughout his life, and he almost always had a dog by his side, including his current dog, Jazzy, who misses him dearly.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Leticia Ubando Dildine, his son Jule Lawrence Dildine, his daughter Suzanne Dildine Bañuelos and son-in-law Richard Bañuelos, brother David Dildine, grandchildren Rafael and Isabella Bañuelos, grandchildren Jordyn Crum, Hallie Monson, Lauren Godoy, and great-grandchildren (Godoy). He is also remembered fondly by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Bob is predeceased by his sister, Evelyn Popson and daughter, Linda Crum.

The family will be holding a private memorial service to celebrate Bob's life. Bob's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends, neighbors, and others who supported him throughout his life. A special thanks, also, to the Kaiser Vallejo Emergency Room staff. He will be deeply missed. Robert Dalton Dildine