Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert DIDION Obituary
DIDION, Robert E. ''Bob''
Robert E. Didion, descendent of the pioneer Kilgore family of Rancho Cordova and the pioneer Reese family of Florin passed away peacefully at home December 1, 2010 at age 95. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Helen, his parents Joseph and Ethel Didion, and brothers Frank and Richard. He is survived by his loving children Ethylanne (William) Larrimore, John (Myra) Didion, Jeanne (Ron) Huggins, Marilyn (Gordon) Matley, David Didion, Janet Didion and Julie (John Webre) Didion, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Jeannette (Tom) Armstrong, nieces Jennie, Mary Jane, Julie, Joan Didion and Anne and nephews Jim and Timothy.
Bob graduated from Sacramento High School in 1933 and attended Sacramento Junior college for two years where he was on the rowing team. He worked for Thompson-Diggs Company and Swart's Hardware until he opened his own hardware store in 1952 at 45th and D Streets in East Sacramento. Didion Hardware was one of the last small hardware stores that was customer service oriented. Bob often delivered paint and hardware after he closed the store at night and sometimes reopened the store if someone ran out of something they needed for a project. He worked 6 1/2 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, although toward retirement was pretty ''flexible'' about what time he would open the store. ''Mr. Didion'' loved his customers and his customers loved him. To this day, 27 years after retiring and closing the store, people still ask if we kids are related to Mr. Didion, and they always have some fond story about him. Bob taught his kids about integrity, self sacrifice, the value of hard work and the wisdom of saving money.
Bob loved traveling with his wife Mary Helen and taking short vacations in Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe. He also loved picnics, Sunday drives and dancing to the Big Bands. Bob had a beautiful Welsh singing voice and passed down his love of music to his kids. He loved babies, baseball, planting a summer garden, Jack Benny and the music of Lawrence Welk and Nat King Cole.
The family thanks Bob's loving caregivers Herlinda, Maria, Tanya and Daniel. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to a charity of the donor's choice. A celebration of Bob's life will be held in the Spring. Family and friends will be notified of the place and time. In addition, notices of the celebration will be posted in the Didion Hardware Store neighborhood.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert DIDION
Jan White-Papararo
April 30, 2011
Didion's Hardware was definitely a neighborhood institution. I have so many fond memorie of time spent in Bob's. He always had something for everyone. I always remember he would make sure he carried some of the latest and coolest toys for us neighborhood kids. Remember the display of Rat Fink models and Weird-Oh models in the window? The models he carried of Count Dracula and Wolfman, etc. Every time he would put something in the window that related to toys, etc., the neighborhood kids would be a-buzz with "have you seen what Bob has in the window?!" If you hadn't seen what Bob had in the window yet, you got word of it really quick and you hopped on your bike and either rode down, ran or walked to check it out. My dear friend Lisa and I would venture into Bob's on an almost daily basis during summer vacation and would go at least once or twice over the weekend. One day during the winter, I remember my dear Dad saying, "It is so cold out, I think it could snow". and snow it did.....My Daddy took me by the hand and we walked to Bob's where my Dad bought me my very first Duncan yo-yo from Bob's. I remember Bob and my Dad talking about the snow. Lisa and I would venture into Bob's with a quarter in hand to purchase kites and string on many a windy day. The kites were 15 cents, and the ball of string 10 cents. We'd go in without any concept of the fact that items had a tax. We would give him our 25 cents and he would smile and not say word. Sometimes, he would give Lisa and I an extra ball of string "because you girls might need it". I remember buying these little flashlights prior to leaving on one of the many camping trips my family took. I recall a few times him handing me some extra batteries and him saying "you might need these"...That was Bob. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a warm smile. You knew how much he cared for his neighborhood family, and, we all loved and deeply cared for him. May the Didion family find an amazing peace within their hears knowing how much Bob was loved and how he touched the lives of so many people - old and young alike! The world needs more people like Bob Didion.
January 16, 2011
We neighborhood "kids" who grew up in Didion's hardware store are retirement age now and many of our parents have moved on up. Anyone of us could tell you that "Bob's" was never just a hardware store. The cool floor welcomed our bare feet on a summer day. We bought our school supplies and last minute birtday gifts there. We knew what time of year it was by the arrival of kites, pea shooters, water pistols and hula hoops. We heard Rosemary Clooney singing "This Old House" on the radio there. Bob knew us all and always wanted to hear the tales of our adventures. The comprehensiveness of the services offered by Didion's is illustrated in the story of a near disaster at our house. My kindergarten age sister had arranged to have a friend come over to play. Mom had gone shopping and left instructions for Dad to call Chips's mom to tell her what time to bring him over. Tracy didn't know his phone number. Dad couldn't find the PTA phone list. Tracy didn't know his parents' names and only knew that his last name sounded like "Unomomento." Finally Dad called the hardware store. Did Bob know a family with a boy named Chips about Tracy's age. Oh sure. Japanese family. Bob gave Dad the essential information and Dad called and the day was saved. I think a lot of days were saved at Didion's.
Lane King
December 24, 2010
We moved to East Sacramento in 1952 when I was 5 years old and Didion's Hardware became the place our family went for all the household projects. Bob was always so nice and made you feel like you were the most important customer in the store even if you were only there for a 10 cent item. His wife and sons who worked there sometimes were just as nice. I always left Didions feeling happier than when I went in. I did business with Bob up until his last day. Just thinking about Bob and his store brings back many nice memories. It was definitely a pure piece of Americana right out of Norman Rockwell.
December 16, 2010
WE LIVED AT SAN ANTONIO AND H STREET, WE MOVED THERE IN 1969 , WE MADE MANY TRIPS TO DIDIONS HDWRE. AS WE WERE FIXING THE HOUSE. WE WERE SO SAD WHEN THEY RETIRED.
THE FORTIER FAMILY
Bill Sils
December 15, 2010
Didion's hardware had it all. A neighborhood institution. Dutch Boy paint, fishing tackle, nuts, bolts and nails and always Bob to guide us in making the right purchase. As youths, my friend and I pestered Bob to hire us to reorganize the "outdoor" department for him...he never did do that, but it was always fun to talk to him about it. None of the "Big Box" stores we have now will ever come close to the friendly, neighborhood feel that local places like Didion's Hardware had. Thanks Bob. You made growing up in East Sacramento that much more fun.
Steve White
December 15, 2010
I lived just one block away from Didion Hardware and trips to Didion's were frequent. I have many fond memories of my childhood and some of the fondest were my trips to Didion's and the always smiling and pleasant demeanor of Bob.
I never understood how he knew where everything was, but just ask and he knew.
Thank You Bob, for the wonderful memories. The world is a better place because of you!
Steve White
Imants "Ike" Leitis
December 14, 2010
"Bob" and Didion's Hardware were a neighborhood institution. As a young kid, I often could not wait for the white station wagon to pull into the parking lot, which meant the store would soon be open. Whether I needed "leader material" and hooks with which to go fishing in McKinley Pond, hardware cloth with which to build some kind of animal enclosure, or some kind of model kit on which to spend some birthday money; "Bob" had it all. I remember the friendly and smile and the hard squeeze on the shoulders as he told me what I really needed to do the job right. I'm 57 now, but still have many vivid and pleasant memories of "Bob" and Didion's Hardware.
Darlene Meder
December 14, 2010
I grew up at 39th and C and loved to visit Dideon's Hardware. I think I still remember the smell of the store! That store was stocked to its ceiling and Bob knew where everything was. He was so kind and helpful to everyone and took pleasure in his business. He was an East Sac icon! I am sure the family has many wonderful memories of this very special man. I know the Meder Family does!
Kenneth Jones
December 14, 2010
I want Bob's family to know that Bob was my friend and mentor when we lived at 520 45th Street in a bungalow which was in constant need of repair. Bob provided so much more than just instruction and comfort as my spouse and I navigated the sometimes rocky first few years of marital housekeeping. I would still be there if he were, too. He will now be missed all the more.
Kenneth Jones
Eugene, Oregon
Irene Leitis-Cota
December 14, 2010
Mr. Didion was almost a daily visit for me growing up in the neighborhood. When bored, I announced I would be going to Didion Hardware to just roam through the narrow aisles and Mr Didion never "shooed" me out as I daydreamed about all the things I would buy someday. He was a wonderful man to this little girl ! May he rest in peace and my sincerest condolences to the family! Men like your father are a rarity these days
Jeanne Didion Huggins
December 13, 2010
Thank you all for writing such wonderful notes in my dad's guestbook. I worked at the store while brother John was running in track meets. What a great bunch of people there were (and probably still are)in the neighborhood.
December 13, 2010
My family grew up around the corner from Mr. Didion's hardware store. He was part of our childhood. My brother and I were born in the early 1950's. Didion's Hardware was our hang out. Bob was always so kind and patient. That he'd special order the latest Auroa Monster model for us elevated him to the ranks of greatness in our young world. The sporting goods department tucked in the corner was always a place of fun mystery. How he found stuff I don't know. He will always be in our hearts. Thank you M. Didion. We are better for having known you. The Paul Family.
Karen Bartels
December 13, 2010
John, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers.
December 13, 2010
Dear Didion Family
I grew up on 42nd and D Street My Dad and I would walk to the Hardware store every day for something Bob was a great man we always looked forward to seeing him and he had the best toys ever i remember this pair of red spring shoes that you put on top of your shoes and you would jump and jump. I alsoknow you could always buy things on credit which we did and i know you never signed anything.But always payed him back.Thanks for great memories Bob Didion
Margaret Maher
Patty (Montich) Bigelow
December 13, 2010
I recently re-visited the East Sacramento area where I grew up in the 50's and 60's. I walked with two 'old friends' and (the location of) Didion's Hardware was most definitely included.
What a wonderful life we had in a wonderful neighborhood. Isn't it interesting the way lives intersect?
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Didion's family at this difficult time.
Jack Nissen
December 12, 2010
John & Family
Some of my favorite and most enduring memories of my younger days (and Sacramento the way it was) involve 45th & D and Didion Hardware. I grew up just two blocks away and probably visited the store a hundred times or more. Your dad was a wonderful man who had a great life. My most sincere regrets for your loss.
Jack Nissen, Placerville
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Robert DIDION's name
Memorial Events
for Robert DIDION
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert DIDION's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
