Robert Vennie Hotchkiss Jr.

Robert Vennie Hotchkiss, Jr., born August 11, 1953, in Warren, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home in Riverside, California, on May 11, 2026, at the age of 72. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Paula, whom he was married to for 46 years; his sons Josh (Michelle) and Matthew (Ruby); his daughters Rose (Rex), Crystal (Damon) and Kristin (Rigo). He was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle and his son Robbie. Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert, his mother Virginia, and his brother Terry; he is survived by his sisters Patricia and Vivian and his brother Leroy. He leaves the legacy of nineteen grandchildren and two great‑grandchildren.

Robert was a great husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he impacted many lives during his lifetime. What Robert lacked in education he made up for in his work ethic. He worked hard for his wife and family; at one time he worked four jobs to make ends meet. He held the best garage sales-credit to Paula for the best garage sale signs-to fund family trips to Knott’s Berry Farm. He was dedicated to providing for his family, there was a time he would go around collecting cans to recycle to make extra money for his family. His main job was working maintenance for the Police Department, he devoted 27 years of service, often picking up overtime when he could. When Robert went to the interview with the Police Department, he inadvertently left the tag attached to his shirt, Robert and Paula thought he wasn’t going to get the job because of that. God had other plans and he was offered the job, which Robert accepted and he always attributed that blessing to the Lord.

God was a huge part of Robert’s life; he was a Christian. There were some rough times in the beginning of his life along with poor choices. His late Uncle Lee was a mentor to him and helped him, Robert looked up to his Uncle Lee. Robert learned to read by reading his Bible. Robert would often quote Bible verses to Paula and his children, he often prayed for Paula and his family even to the very end, when his voice was weak and difficult to understand…he prayed for them.

Robert had a love for old western movies and shows, guns-which he collected old black powder revolvers, he had a collection of knives/swords, he also collected old coins.  Robert and Paula shared a love for antiques, often visiting antique stores on the weekends.  Robert was a simple man; he enjoyed the simple things in life; food was one of them.  He made the best ribs, baked beans, chili, and meatloaf (his grandkids loved his meatloaf), he was a good cook like his late mother Virginia.  Robert and Paula enjoyed taking road trips, going on vacation and outings with their family and grandchildren, working on home improvement projects, and celebrating birthdays, award ceremonies, graduations, and cherished holiday traditions. These memories will be treasured.

Robert lived the latter part of his days with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsons. Those days were challenging to say the least. Robert was a strong man and his independence lessened with each passing day. His wife Paula took great care of him to the very end. He would often say how he wished he could help with things around the house when he would see Paula doing chores and projects. He always wanted to make sure Paula was ok even when he himself was not well. Robert would often call his children to make sure they bought their Mom, Paula, Sees candy for all the special occasions when he could no longer do that himself. His children were recipients of random phone calls checking in on them, asking them for chocolate/treats, and sometimes forgetting why he called 😊.

Robert loved his wife and his family, he will be greatly missed. The pain of his loss is ever present, yet we have joy in knowing he is in heaven with Jesus.