Robert Elia Sr.

Robert "Bob" Elia Sr., passed away at the age of 86, in Fresno, CA on February 1, 2011. He was born and raised in downtown Fresno to George and Anne Elia and he was the 9th out of 10 children. Bob's siblings were George (Fritz), Dick, Henry, Kearney, Charles, Lucy, Albert, Florence and Tom. He had great memories and stores of running around west Fresno getting into mischief with them.

His love for his family, friends and airplanes was immeasurable. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren. He was the most relaxed out on a tractor working the 20 acres on Copper Avenue where he built the family home. He loved to entertain, whether it was a large fundraiser or a small intimate party with friends. He was very proud that all three children wanted to be married in the gazebo at home.

You could not think of Papa without thinking of airplanes. He loved having his office so close to the Fresno Airport. He would take each grandchild out so they could feel the roar and thunder of a jet taking off.

As a young man he also worked in the bay area as a painter. When World War II broke out he enlisted and became a radio operator for the U.S. Air Force Signal Corp., serving in France and Italy. In 1948, Robert sold his brand new Ford Coupe and bought a Ford F1 pick-up and started his business, Robert Elia Painting. While building the business in the 1950's he was asked by his old friend John Bonadelle, to be his painter. He was then introduced by John to another builder, Wathen Brothers, and for the next 20 years Bob, alongside these local home builders helped to build Fresno and the Central Valley.

During these years he built a reputation of quality and integrity and his painting business continued to grow. He became diversified and began numerous commercial projects. In the early 70's, the IRS regional center was a favorite. Along with the painting business he enjoyed investing in real estate and building commercial buildings for lease and became a very savvy businessman.

He would reminisce about how so many young painting contractors came out of his shop. He was not only a good contractor but a teacher and mentor. Many painters and tenants would move on but return to thank him for giving them insight and knowledge of the painting and business world. He served on the boards of the Homebuilders Association and Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. He was well known in the Fresno area as, "The Painter" a title he wore with extreme pride. He had a long time customer who would greet him as the "Michelangelo of Fresno."

In the late 1990's Robert would retire with more than 50 years working as a painting contractor. He and Vi would travel to Europe and to the East coast to attend his Air Force reunions. They enjoyed all the wonderful trips they took with Peoples Active Adults. They spent many happy weekends up at Vi's home at Hume Lake.

He was a wonderful Dad, Husband, Papa, Grandpa, and Friend. He will forever be in our hearts. Salute!!

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Violet (Miller) Elia; his children and their spouses, Robert Elia Jr. and Linda, Suzanne Elia Meyer and Ty, Elizabeth Elia Bentley and Tim; grandchildren, Rebecca, Jason, Chase, Ryder, Emma, Amanda, Sarah, Tim, Nikki; two great-grandchildren Conner and Abby; stepchildren, Mike and Betty Miller and Jeanie Barnes; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob's first wife, Lee, Passed away in 1995.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at Peoples Church, G.L. Johnson Chapel on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made in Bob's honor to the Alzheimer's Foundation, St. Agnes Hospice or the charity of your choice.