Obituary of Robert Anthony Rocha

Robert Anthony Rocha went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2018, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Oakland, California to Gabriel and Vera Rocha on June 26, 1951.He was number seven of 10 children. Bob attended local schools, including St. Elizabeth High School. After high school, Bob enlisted in the Army, going into Vietnam in 1969, where he was severely injured in 1970, losing his left leg to a land mine. It took years of surgeries and rehabilitation for him to recover. Bob was honorably discharged from his military service and began a career in the mortuary business. After working for several private firms in the Bay Area, Bob moved to Lodi in 1976 and purchased Humphrey’s East Pine Funeral Home and Lodi Memorial Cemetery, renaming the enterprise Rocha’s Mortuary. Bob opened the doors to his new place with $25 in the till and high hopes of success. However, the place burned to the ground in 1979. Undeterred, Bob rebuilt and moved his mortuary to downtown Lodi, expanding his business in 1980 with the purchase of two funeral homes in Southern California. His mortuary eventually grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise, which he sold in 1988. Using funds from the sale, Bob bought a Century 21 real estate office in Lodi. Bob later returned to the funeral business as a director of Catholic Cemeteries of the diocese of Oakland, a position he held until failing health forced him to retire. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, whom he married November 15, 2012; Children Rina Kettle(Joe), Robin Kuehne (Doug), Brandy Rocha-Trevizo (Hugo) and Heather Rocha; siblings Midge Baca, Nancy Luna, Evelyn Leandro(Jim), Larry Rocha(Nancy),Greg Rocha(Rose Marie), Donna Cutrufelli, Joseph Rocha, John Rocha (Debby), Mary Thomas(Tim); Grandchildren, Devin, Danicca & Danette Kettle, Ashley & Bryson Tassano, Reuben Rocha, AJ, Parker and Morgan Baines, Brooklyn Niewald, Step daughter Christy Rohmer(Fred), Carrie Miller, Step grandchildren; Hope and Grace Kuehne, Andrew and Jessica Trevizo, Bryce Coleman, Logan Miller; step-greatgrandchildren Vanden Wynia and Brynleigh White; and finally his many dear friends and Trilogy family in Rio Vista, where he moved in January 2014. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel & Vera Rocha, and step-grandson Hudson Kuehne. A public viewing will be held Monday, July 16, from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rocha’s Mortuary, 215 S School St, Lodi. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 18621 N. Highway 99 in Acampo with Pastor Dustin Butler of Windborn Church, Rio Vista, officiating. A committal service will follow at Lodi Memorial Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Smile Train at PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090. Bob was a longtime supporter and felt very passionate about helping those children. Also, he asked for donations to be made to Hospice (Vitas), 2710 South Gateway Oak Drive Suite 100, Sacramento, Ca 95833, so they can continue to help other families