Robert Norman Barbeau

Robert passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 5. Beloved husband of 60 years to Anna Marie. Loving father of Terri Barbeau and Cheri Cook (John). Devoted grandfather of Patrick Jr., Megan, and Brendan Gormley. He is survived by his brothers Clayton and Ernie and numerous nieces and nephews and now rejoins his parents Louis and Bertha, and siblings, Joe, Jack, Bill, Louis Jr., Dick, Donald, and Patricia. A graduate of Christian Brothers High School 1943, Bob received a baseball scholarship to University of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre, during WW II. Bob felt great honor in serving his country. After graduating from USF with a Business Administration Degree, his talent allowed him to achieve his dream of playing professional baseball for 3 years. He was signed by the Boston Braves and played for the Denver Bears and the Wenatchee Chiefs, the Globe Miami Apaches in the Texas Arizona League, and Pawtucket in the New England League. In 1995, Bob was inducted in the Christian Brothers LaSalle Club Hall of Fame. The next chapter in his life took him to a 30+ year career at Luppen and Hawley where he retired in 1990. He was a Renaissance man with many interests, not only baseball, but was an avid golfer, sports enthusiast, and loved traveling the world with his wife. He loved his annual vacations in Santa Cruz with his family and friends and always cherished the time spent with his regular golf and pinochle group. He will always be remembered for his Manhattan cocktails and a good World War II or baseball story. Bob also enjoyed carpentry and wood-working, and was considered by many to be a craftsman. He was always willing to build or design anything anyone needed; his home displayed many of his creative talents. Family and faith were the two most important aspects of his life. He relied on his faith to carry him through his journey. His favorite sayings were: "Keep the Faith", "Put it in God's Hands" and "Faith is a gift, it must be nurtured". He never complained because he believed God would take care of everything. He found great joy and pleasure in watching his grandchildren in any of their endeavors or just sitting around the table with his family, always with a smile on his face. He will always be missed but never forgotten. A rosary was held on Thursday (5/10) at 7:00pm at W.F. Gormley & Sons Chapel, 2015 Capitol Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered for the repose of his soul on Friday at 10:00AM, at St. Mary's Church, 1333 58th Street. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christian Brothers High School and Sacramento Food Bank. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.