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Robert Beretta Obituary
February 12, 1943 - August 26, 2025
Robert Francis Beretta, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 26, 2025. He entered the world into a close-knit Swiss-Italian dairy community on February 12, 1943, in Petaluma, CA, to parents Joseph and Bernice Beretta. His family roots started with dairy farming in Chileno Valley, and then the Adobe Road Ranch. In 1948, the family moved to the Llano Road Ranch in Santa Rosa, CA, where the family continues to operate the dairy farm today.
Bob grew up, the middle child, working the dairy, playing sports, and racing cars at the Cotati track and maybe a street race here or there. He graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1961, where he was active in the FFA and sports, receiving the High School All-American recognition in Football and held the school's Pole Vault record of 11-0 feet, for many years. Bob was recruited to Fresno State College for football, however, was requested to stay and work the ranch instead. Farming was in his blood and a way of life he cherished and never left. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Cunningham, and they had two children, Doug and Tina, and he later married Grace Berton.
Bob was active in the community for many years, as a Little League coach, 4-H leader, fast pitch softball player, hot rod enthusiast and board member of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. He also received the Santa Rosa Fair "Dairy of the Year" award in 1998. Bob was a quiet man, but when he spoke others listened. He was kind, gentle, and very well respected.
Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley (Marion) Beretta. He is survived by his brother, Art (Connie) Beretta; his two children, Doug (Sharon) Beretta and Tina (Marc) Alves; grandchildren, Jennifer, Lisa and Ryan Beretta, Ted (Amanda) Barton and Elleanna (Nick) Gilmore; great-grandchildren, Brayden Beretta and Everly Barton; former wife and mother of his children, Barbara McDougall; and former wife, Grace Berton; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Just as dear as his family, his beloved friends, who will all miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA on September 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. Please consider a donation in his memory to the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County, 3589 Westwind Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (sonomafb.org/foundation) or the Santa Rosa High School Foundation, P.O. Box 11006, Santa Rosa, CA 95406 (www.srhsf.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Beretta
Sponsored by Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Santa Rosa Daniels Chapel of the Rose.
John Correia
September 13, 2025
I just lost one of my best life long friends. We showed dairy stock at the fair together, cut school together and shared our deep love of family and friends throughout the years. I love and miss you Bob, we´ll be together again soon! May God Bless and comfort Bobs family.
Gary Danskin
September 13, 2025
RIP Bob i enjoyed our talks at the dairy store. you are one great legend as i read your obit. you´ve raised some great children. family am sorrry for your loss.
Mena Anacleto
September 12, 2025
This man changed my life. He away had a kind word even when life got hard and helped not only with word but stepped in with his heart and soul to help with my cattle to help me be the best I could be for my animals. He would take the time to come out and tell me what I needed to do. I will miss his loving soul. We all have lost a GREAT man, farmer and loving step dad.
Donna
September 11, 2025
It seems like I have known Bob all my life but it has only been since high school. Bob was one of those guys who always greeted you with a smile and a wave. I so glad to have seen him a month ago at our class reunion. Bob, you will be missed. You are one of the good ones. RIP
Ray D´Argenzio
September 11, 2025
Bob very nice man deepest condolences to his family
Lex McCorvey
September 9, 2025
Peggy and I share our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. I have such incredible memories of our family holiday gatherings with our Swiss dairy families, sports enthusiasts and auto racers. Bob was amazing and always the supportive cousin a little kid could idolize. RIP Bob... we´ll all miss you.
Todd Hayes
September 8, 2025
My first memorizes of Bob was when he played fastpitch softball with my Dad. I would go on later in life being coached by him on a fastpitch softball team with his son Doug. He was always so friendly to me and my family and will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. My condolences go out to the whole Beretta family in this grieving time and know that he is in a better place having a cold beer with my Dad. Todd Hayes & Family
Mike Bogue
September 7, 2025
Bob and I first met while playing basketball. He played for Herbert Slater junior high and I played for Santa Rosa junior high. Then our paths crossed again at Santa Rosa high school where we became great friends through sports and agriculture. We continued to be friends for the rest of our lives. My condolences to the Baretta family. May the wind be at your back.
Kathy Bogue Alger Glaeser
September 7, 2025
We are all so sorry for the great loss of your Dad. What an amazing man, someone we all admired. Such a big heart and always so nice to all of us. I´m so glad my Dad was one of his best friends for their entire lives. What a beautifully legacy Bob has built for your family. Our condolences to your Mom, You, Marc, Doug, Sharon and all the kids
May he rest in peace knowing his family is so strong because of him
Robert Muelrath
August 30, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Beretta Family.
Bob Beretta and I have been friends and neighbors for over three quarters of a century. Living and growing up on our families dairy ranches a mile apart from each other. We just had breakfast together and sharing life memories a few days ago. Many laughs! We just attended our SRHS 64th class reunion August 16, 2025. There are just too many memories to share knowing someone this long. RIP Bob.
Bob Muelrath
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