Robert Frank Minnitti

September 17, 1925 - April 7, 2015

Robert Frank Minnitti Robert Frank (Bob) Minnitti, local educator, passed away on April 7, 2015, at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA, at the age of 89. He was born September 17, 1925, in Tacoma, WA to parents Rocco J. and Giovanina Minnitti. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1943, attended St Martin's College for one year, and then graduated from the University of Puget Sound (CPS at that time) in 1947, with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also earned his Bachelor of Education and Master's degrees from UPS. He did Post Graduate work in the Doctoral program at the University of Washington. Bob began his education career in 1947 at Kapowsin High School teaching science and mathematics. Kapowsin became part of the Bethel School District in 1951, where he continued his career as a math and science teacher, also serving as guidance counselor and vice principal. He became the first principal of Bethel Junior High when it opened in 1958. In 1966 Bob became the superintendent of Morton School District and then the superintendent of North Kitsap Schools in 1969. He served in that capacity until 1978, when he became the director of School Construction Funds for the State of Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction Office. He retired in June of 1985, after 38 years. Thereafter, he operated his educational consulting business, working with districts throughout Washington on their Planning and Building projects. He fully retired in 1993, and with his wife Sonia, they became snowbirds spending their summers on Mason Lake, WA and winters in Mesa, AZ. Over the years, Bob served as president of many organizations including: his Senior Class at UPS; the Bethel Education Association; the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce; and the congregation of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Olympia. He was a lifetime member of Elks International, as well as numerous educational, fraternal and service organizations. Bob was an avid golfer, achieving a hole-in-one three times over the years. Bob was a wonderful man, kind and thoughtful. He loved his family and was loved and adored by all of us. We will cherish our memories of all the good times with him. He will be sorely missed!! Bob and Sonia flew to Washington on April 3, 2015 to attend the baptism of their great-grandson (who was born on Bob's 89th birthday and was named for Bob's father). The baptism took place on April 4, 2015 which was also Bob and Sonia's 51st wedding anniversary. He suffered heart problems on Easter Sunday and passed away peacefully two days later. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Fred. He is survived by his loving wife, Sonia; daughter, Nancy M. (David) Ericksen of Lafayette, CA; sons, Robert G. (Merna) Minnitti of Port Orchard, WA, and Steven R. Minnitti of Kent, WA; grandchildren, Scott, Ryan, Jared, and Callie Ericksen of CA; Melanie (Brad) Hess of Issaquah, WA; and Robert J. (Jessica) Minnitti of Medina, WA. His great-grandchildren are Jack, Bradley, Brianna, and Britney Hess; Madison and Rocco Minnitti. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UPS, for the Robert F. Minnitti Memorial Endowed Scholarship which has been established at UPS, 1500 N Warner St, #1087, Tacoma, WA 98416. A memorial service will be held June 27, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., in the Kilworth Chapel on the UPS campus.