Robert M. Fonseca

Robert M. “Bob” Fonseca, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born in Raymondville, Texas on December 8, 1930, Bob was the son of Manuel Fonseca and Dolores Munguia Fonseca.

Throughout his life, he was affectionately known as Bob, and later—as a mark of deep respect earned through decades of military service—simply as “Chief.”

Bob began his lifelong commitment to service early, enlisting in the Army National Guard in 1947. In 1951, he transitioned to the United States Air Force and reported to Randolph AFB in San Antonio for basic training. After an early assignment in Alaska, he was stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York. It was there he met and fell in love with Giovanna “Jennie” Gloria Biamonte. The two were married on April 30, 1955, in Oriskany, New York.

Together, Bob and Jennie raised three sons while living a full and adventurous military life. Their journey took them to posts across the U.S. and abroad, including RAF Bentwaters and RAF Lakenheath in England, and McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Bob served with honor in Thailand and at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon during the Vietnam War. His final assignment brought him back to his home state of Texas, where he served as Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 12th Air Force at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. He retired in 1981 with 30 years of dedicated service.

Following his retirement, Bob worked in logistics for Lockheed Missiles and Space in Austin for five years. But service remained a central theme of his life. He coached Little League, volunteered at churches in every community he lived in, and was active in veterans’ and civic organizations. He was a proud member of the Austin Retired Chiefs and VFW Post 3377, and a dedicated Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus in the Bishop Reicher Assembly #1099 where he held many leadership roles. Bob always answered a call to service.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jennie, and his brother Ruben Fonseca. He is survived by his three sons: Robert Fonseca (and his wife, Jennifer); Joseph “Kent” Fonseca (and his wife, Vicky); and Glenn Fonseca. He was a proud grandfather to Bryan, Lauren, Caden, Evan, Riley, and Dylan, and a joyful great-grandfather to Avery, Addisyn, Logan, Brinley, Cole, and Asher. He is also survived by his half-brothers Ramiro Fonseca and Raul Fonseca. He had a half-sister, Bella Zuniga (deceased).

Funeral Services

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Rosary: 9:30 AM

Mass: 10:00 AM

St. Paul’s Catholic Church

10000 David Moore Drive, Austin, TX 78748

Burial

10:00 AM, Monday, August 18, 2025

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78209

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces, in honor of Bob’s lifelong dedication to his country and his fellow servicemen and women.