Robert Michael Valletta

Dr. Robert Michael Valletta died on Friday, December 13th, 2024 at the age of 93. Dr. Valletta (Bob) was born on November 10th, 1931 in Waterbury, CT to Mrs Carmella Valletta (nee Della Bella) and Pasquale Valletta.

After receiving his Master of Chemistry from the University of Connecticut, Bob continued his education and was awarded a PhD in Chemistry from Iowa State University.

Bob worked for IBM for the majority of his career, much of it in management and finishing in research and development. He and 3 other IBM employees collaborated on a method of making a thin film merged MR head with aligned pole tips, for which they were awarded a patent in 1995.

Bob was a lifelong avid reader as well as a lover of music. He listened to most musical genres: folk, rock, blues, classical, country and even show tunes. Once Bob retired in 1992 and relocated to Citrus Heights, he joined a nearby gym, working out there 6 days a week well into his 80’s. Once his daughter, Christal, and baby granddaughter, Christina, moved in in 2000, he took an active role in Christina’s upbringing.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Doris, his sister Patricia, his son Jon and daughter-in-law Janice, his son Rob and daughter-in-law Ellen, daughters Christal and Mary Catherine and son-in-law Lincoln, as well as granddaughters Pia, Haley, Zoe and Christina. He was preceded in death by his brother, Pat.

His ashes will be interred at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA on Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 11:00 am followed by a celebration of his life at the Sunrise Patio Room at Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Friday, January 10th, 2025.