Robert Slattery

1948 - 2025

Robert Slattery
02/23/1948 - 05/28/2025
Robert "Bob" Michael Slattery, was born on February 23, 1948, in San Francisco, Calif., and passed away peacefully, at his home in Danville, Calif., on May 28, 2025.
Bob was the son of Margaret and Robert Slattery, first generation Irish Americans, and lifelong San Franciscans. In his youth, Bob had the freedom to roam the streets of Noe Valley in San Francisco with his neighborhood friends, from morning until night, only returning home for a quick lunch. Baseball played an integral part of Bob's life, from stick ball and wall ball, to high school and college ball, and as a lifelong Giants fan. Bob earned some spending money as a teen by working at Candlestick Park as a vendor for the San Francisco Giants, and delighted in telling others that he worked the final Beatles concert in 1966.
Bob entered high school at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, then transferred to and graduated from St. Ignatius High School, in San Francisco in 1966. Bob enrolled at the University of San Francisco (USF) and majored in government. On December 1, 1969, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force for a nine month active duty commission, delaying his graduation to June 1971. He remained in the Air Force Reserves and later transferred to the Judge Advocate General program at the Presidio in San Francisco until 1976.
While attending USF, Bob met fellow student Paulette Scolari in the fall of 1967. Bob married Paulette in 1971, and they began an enduring partnership that would last until his death. Bob entered the University of San Francisco School of Law in September of that year, where he excelled in his studies and made lifelong friends. During and after law school, Bob enjoyed living in North Beach for five years, where he took full advantage of eating all his favorite Italian foods, introduced to him by Paulette.
Bob began his legal career as a Contra Costa County District Attorney in 1975. After four years of trial experience as an Assistant District Attorney, Bob was hired by Dick Dodge, of the McNamara Law Firm, in Walnut Creek, where he spent his very satisfying and successful professional life, as a medical malpractice defense attorney. Bob was passionate about his career with a tireless work ethic, and loved nothing more than preparing a well-reasoned, strong defense of his clients.
While Bob was building a professional career, he and Paulette lived in Danville, where they raised their three children, Leah, Meredith and Rob. Bob was a devoted husband and father who would do anything to support his family. He was happiest racing to and from swim meets and soccer tournaments, coaching baseball games, and encouraging any new interest his children were pursuing. Bob took pride in his children and the paths they created for themselves. As someone who always loved large family gatherings, Bob was delighted in becoming a grandfather to six grandchildren.
Bob's life took an unexpected turn, when he and Paulette were in a motor vehicle accident in 1989, which affected him physically for the rest of his life. Undaunted, Bob pushed through this obstacle, and displayed an unending well of strength and determination, to continue a robust and full life.
Over their 40 years in Danville, Bob and Paulette built a large community of friends, with whom they frequently enjoyed dinners, games, and reflecting on life. In retirement, Bob and Paulette enjoyed travel including ocean and river cruises with close friends.
In January 2021, as Bob's health declined, Paulette was joined by caregiver, Gloria Uriza, who helped Paulette care for Bob, until his death. Bob didn't get to enjoy a long retirement, but he lived an admirable personal and professional life of great achievement, and had the good fortune of spending a life with a partner as dedicated to him as Paulette.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Paulette; children, Leah Slattery (Drew Davis), Meredith Donahue (Ryan Donahue) and Rob Slattery (Lauren Slattery); grandchildren, Flynn and Margot Davis, Sloane and James Donahue and Jack and Duke Slattery; siblings, Mary Antonelli (Louis), John Slattery (Linda), and Richard Slattery (Sue Slattery, deceased); and nieces and nephews.
A joyous Celebration of Life will take place at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Danville, Calif., on September, 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Hospice of the East Bay, and the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco, California.