Obituaries

Romeo Barsi passed at Lucca Campo di Marte Hospital in Lucca, Tuscany at the age of 71. Romeo lived in Italy up until 1972 when he moved his family to Gilroy to be closer to his sister, Franca Barsi Filice and fulfill his boyhood dream of living in America. Romeo was a young boy during WWII and during the German occupation of Marlia, Tuscany his father was a cook for the German Army. He loved telling his grandchildren the stories of when the Americans liberated Italy and how he made friends with the US soldiers. The US soldiers took him under their wings and loved giving him American goodies such as chocolate. Romeo loved to travel and even when he lived in Italy he frequently took his family on trips to visit France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and what was then Yugoslavia. He also loved to collect WWII Jeep vehicles. He loved to hike in the mountains and especially loved Gilroy and the surrounding hills as they reminded him of his childhood home in Tuscany. He made his living in California as a Teamster truck driver and owner of his own trucking business. Earlier this year, in his retirement, he moved back to Italy to be closer to his son and enjoy his retirement.

Robert F. Putney, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on October 3rd surrounded by his family. Robert "Bob" was born on October 2nd, 1932 in Providence, Rhode Island. Bob grew up in Providence, and graduated from LaSalle Academy High School. Bob then enlisted in the Air Force as a plane mechanic, but as the result of a special program for promising young enlisted candidates, Bob was able to train as a pilot. Bob trained on T-33 in Texas, and excelled to the point where he trained others to fly. He returned home to Providence to marry his longtime sweetheart and childhood friend, Joan Frances D'Iorio. Bob and Joan then moved to Selma Alabama where Bob was stationed at Craig AFB. While in Selma, their three children, Mark Robert, Bethany Jean, and Christopher Todd were born. Bob and Joan then moved to Arizona where he was stationed at Luke AFB as a pilot. Bob also graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. As a Captain in the Air Force, Bob was sent to Viet Nam, stationed in Da Nang and flew the F-100 over 300 missions as a fighter pilot in 1966- 1967. Bob received the Bronze Star Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster for bravery in combat and the Distinguished Flying Cross and was promoted to Major. Bob returned home to his family and was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton Ohio. While at Wright Patterson, Bob was responsible for Materiel for the F111. While at Wright Patterson Bob was promoted to Lt. Colonel. Following his promotion, Bob and his family moved to San Diego, CA. where he was stationed at Coronado Naval Base as the Air Force representative to General Dynamics. While at Coronado, Bob enjoyed fighter plane dog fighting with his Navy colleagues. He would often come home with a sore neck from scanning the sky trying to see his competitors. Following his outstanding work in San Diego, Bob was sent to Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama where the leadership of the Air Force is trained. During his time in Montgomery, Bob also received a Masters of Public Administration from Auburn University. Bob was then promoted to Colonel and stationed again at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. At that time, Bob was responsible again for a large team focused on delivery of Materiel to NATO for the F16. Bob traveled quite often to Europe and brought Joan along to see the sights. Bob's final stop in the Air Force was at Moffet Field in Sunnyvale, CA. where he was the Air Force Representative to Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Bob retired after 25 years of distinguished service to his country. Bob then went on to 15 years at Lockheed Missiles and Space where he was Director of Materiel for the Space Systems Division and retired as Vice President Lockheed Integrated Systems Corporation.

Ricardo Orta, Jr. entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on October 2, 2008 at Valley Medical Hospital. He was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas and raised in Morgan Hill. He was an avid Raider fan, voracious reader, and enjoyed fishing with his uncles. He was a loving son to Balvina Orta of Gilroy, brother to Jose Orta (Angelique) of San Jose, Rene Orta of Gilroy, and uncle to Richard Orta (Heidi) of Gilroy, Lee Oda Orta of Henderson, Nevada, grandson to Manuela Orta of Morgan Hill, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. His was preceded in death by his father Ricardo Orta, Sr. and brother Eduardo, both of Morgan Hill. The celebration of his life will be private.

Samuel D. "Sam" Villarreal passed away in Hollister at the age of 74. He was born in LaHabra, CA and came to Hollister over 60 years ago. He married his wife, Eliodora in 1970 in Hollister. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and liked spending time with his family, boxing and baseball, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Marilyn Roascio, age 72 years, passed away at Gilroy Health Care last Thursday. Marilyn has been a resident of San Benito County for the past 65 years. She was a graduate of San Benito High School, a member of Old Mission San Juan Bautista and owned and operated Mom and Pops Saloon in San Juan Bautista for nearly 40 years. Marilyn was very community spirited and always willing to help those in need by holding benefits at her "Tavern". She loved her family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed being with her many friends. Marilyn is survived by her children, Ryan Roascio (Holly) and Rhonda Roascio of Hollister, and Ronald Cullumber (Jackie) of Missouri; her grandsons, Vince, Brandon, Greg, Evan, Jason, Christopher and Daniel, her great grandchildren, Wyatt and Madylin. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and one sister.