October 1, 1929 – June 10, 2025
Robert Mark “Bobby” Tuminello, beloved patriarch of the Tuminello family, went to be with his Lord on June 10, 2025, at the age of 95. Surrounded by the love of his family at Sunrise Senior Living Community, Bobby left this world with the same grace and faith that defined his life. A devout Catholic, his love for his faith, family and country was the foundation of everything he did. A true Southern gentleman in every sense, he was loved and respected by all who knew him. The world has lost a truly great man.
Bobby was born in New Orleans on October 1,1929 to Ralph Joseph and Alice McClelland Tuminello. He graduated from Catholic High School in 1946, where he excelled in sports — especially as a pitcher. He continued playing baseball at LSU on scholarship for two years until signing with the New York Yankees organization in 1949, playing in the Sooner State League in McAlester, OK for three years.
In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Hettie Jean Babin. They shared 65 beautiful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, and joyful memories. After earning a degree in Education from LSU in 1958, Bobby worked for Exxon, Tuminello Optical, and later the Louisiana Department of Transportation, retiring in 1993.
He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, where he served through the Knights of Columbus Council 4030, Usher Society, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Adoration Chapel. He was also active in the Catholic High Men’s Club and remained a proud CHS and LSU supporter.
Bobby’s love of golf was unmatched — beginning at a very early age. He particularly looked forward to playing a weekly round at Webb Park with his golf buddies, and cherished those occasions when his son Rob, grandson Brett joined the game. He always bragged throughout his later years when he “shot his age!” The course was his happy place, and he played well into his 90s.
Bobby and Hettie loved life’s simple pleasures — camping across the country, traveling abroad, and hosting family and friends at gatherings filled with laughter, music, and delicious Louisiana cooking. They were longtime members of the Crusin’ Cajuns Travel Club and embraced the open road and all the memories it offered.
Bobby is preceded in death by his wife, Hettie Jean; his son, Robert Mark Tuminello, Jr.; and brothers Ralph and Roy Tuminello. He is survived by his daughter, Debra J. Tuminello; grandchildren Kelly LaBorde Barnes (Kevin), Bridget LaBorde Orton (Kyle), Jeffrey Tuminello, Brett Tuminello, and Mandy Tuminello; and great-grandchildren Brayden and Aubrey Barnes, Olivia and Jack Orton, Adley, Tripp, and Parker Tuminello, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Sunrise Senior Living and Southern Grace Hospice for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be Friday, June 27 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, at 9:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM with Fr. Akhilesh Antony officiating. Internment at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, 4045 N. Street, Baton Rouge. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home – East. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/rabenhorst
Pallbearers: Jeffrey Tuminello, Brett Tuminello, Kevin Barnes, Brayden Barnes, Kyle Orton, Chris Tuminello.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Catholic High School Golf Classic being held on September 26, 2025 in memory of Bobby Tuminello, Class of 1946, CHS, 855 Hearthstone Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Also, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 N. Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
