Robert Eugene Milla Sr.

Robert E. Milla, Sr. was born to Ceasar and Jane Milla. He went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 9, 2021, at the age of 79. He passed while in the arms of his beloved wife Georgette and his son Rob, in Cambria, California.

Robert (Bob) led his life with heart and great zeal . He was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. Bob was a graduate of Central High School where he lettered in varsity tennis and met his first love, Nancy Miguel. He married Nancy and they soon had two children, Rob and Suzanne. Bob then moved his family to a beautiful 10 acre ranch on the San Joaquin River. Working on the ranch created a special family bond and strong work ethic. Bob dearly loved his family and enjoyed taking them on camping trips to Baja, Mexico. His sense of adventure led him to take many motorcycle trips to Mexico. Another passion of his was flying his Cessna 152. He and Nancy were avid fans of the Indianapolis 500 and travelled there for many years.

Bob joined the Fresno Police Department in 1964 where he served his community faithfully for 39 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1972. Some of his favorite assignments included: School Resource Officer, Public Information Officer, Detective and Motor Sergeant. Bob was known for his positive energy, dynamic spirit and gifted ability to mentor young officers. In 2003, The Fresno City Council issued a proclamation that July 1st be declared as “Officer Robert Milla Day” He was the longest active police officer in the history of the department.

The Lord took Nancy home at the age of 57. Bob joined the Catholic Church where he began growing in his faith. He was then blessed with his second wife, his beloved Georgette, who brought him many more family members to love and encourage. His grandchildren were very dear to him and they will always remember his “Nono Talks” and “Rocketship Stories.” After his retirement, Bob and Georgette worked together counseling officers and their spouses with the “Couples Behind the Badge.” They enjoyed the ranch for many years hosting wonderful family events like “The Easter Egg Hunt” and “Ranch Sundays”. Later they moved to their beautiful home in Cambria, California. Bob and Georgette became active members of The Santa Rosa Catholic Church. You could often times find Bob on the Cambria Pickle ball courts where he made many new friends.

Bob and Georgette enjoyed traveling, particularly their trip to Israel as well as trips with their children and grandchildren. Their travels took them to Big Sky, Montana, Mexico, Greece, Croatia and memorable yearly trips to Mammoth Lakes, California.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy Milla; his parents Caesar and Jane Milla, his stepfather John Cipolla and his stepdaughter Kathy Iness.

He is survived by his wife Georgette Milla, his son Rob Milla, his daughter Suzanne Awtrey, her husband Hugh; Georgette’s son Marty Iness, his wife Jeanette; as well as his grandchildren Robbie Milla, his wife Allie, Joshua Milla, his wife Olivia, Sara White, Abbey White, Staton Awtrey, Hugh Awtrey IV., Caleb Iness and Audra Iness.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 24 from 1:00-3:00pm at The Whitehurst Chapel 836 E. Nees, Fresno, CA, 93720. A funeral mass will be held at The Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 East Champlain Drive Fresno, CA 93730, on Tuesday, May 25, Rosary at 10:00 am. Mass at 10:30 am

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Frassati Outreach Fund at Santa Rosa Church in Cambria,1174 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428 or The Fresno County Peace Officers Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 4290, Fresno, CA 93744.