Robert Thomas Dias Sr.

Robert Thomas Dias, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep January 17, 2017. Bob was born in the Pocket area of Sacramento, a first-generation son to immigrant parents from Pico, Azores. As a boy, Bob had a paper route, shined shoes, sold movie programs, worked cleaning barracks at Mather Field, and worked at Esquire Theater. At 18, Bob joined the Navy and served 2 1/2 years as a Telegrapher in the Pacific theater. While in the Navy he had 20 bouts as a Golden Glove boxer. Bob was a lifelong produce man, starting his career loading and driving trucks for Virga Produce, later managing General Produce and retiring from United Independents in 1990. He had a powerful work ethic. He loved people and always had a compliment or a joke handy. He made everyone feel special. He was a member of Elks Lodge #6 for many years and was an avid handball player. He belonged to the Portuguese Historical and Cultural Society and American Portuguese Club. He was also a member of the Southside Improvement Club. He was an ardent fan of the Music Circus. He loved the Sacramento Solons, the San Francisco Giants and the Forty-Niners. He loved working on their ranch in the Pocket area. Being an animal lover, Bob brought home many pets such as a skunk, tarantulas and stray dogs. He was a caring father, grand-father, brother, uncle, and son. He was a loving husband for 70 years to his wife, Betty, who survives him. They shared an amazing love for 7 decades. He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Furtado Dias Souza and Manuel Perry Dias, Sr., by his brother, Manuel Perry Dias, Jr, by his beloved daughter, Terry L. Dias Horton and by his beloved son , Robert Thomas Dias, Jr.. He is survived by his sister Mary Lou Anderson, daughters Claudia (Carol) and Michele. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, daughter and sons in law, extended family members and countless friends. He will be truly missed. A celebration of his life will be held February 25th, 2017, 1pm at the Cabrillo Club, 4605 Karbet Way, Sacramento, 95822. Everyone is welcome.