Robert "Bobby" R. Manista Jr.

Of Mesa, Arizona passed away January 16, 2011 at the age of 54. The 2nd child of 6, Bobby was born in Cleveland, OH to the parents of Robert and Barbara. At age 4, his family moved to Scottsdale where he graduated from Coronado HS in 1974. Prior to his most recent occupation as a Realtor for United Brokers Group (UBG) of Chandler, Bobby enjoyed a 23-year career with the City of Scottsdale. His City tenure began at McCormick RR Park’s inception where he became the City’s first Railroad Mechanic, maintaining, building and rebuilding the railroad. During that same period he joined the ranks of Rural Metro Fire Department’s, Wrangler Fire Fighter Program where he earned a Lieutenant rank and which gave him his first exposure to a 30+ year passion for pyrotechnics, producing 4th of July shows at MCC and around the valley. His greatest passion was for aviation, earning his pilot’s license, “building and flying his Gyrocopter was the best time of his life”. An achiever of many things mechanically, he was also a great father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his mother: Barbara, children: Mandy Shelley, Niki Manista, Ali Cooper, and Bailey Manista, brothers: Tom and Ed, sisters: Donna Petello, Mary Heltzel, and Diana Covington, as well as 7 grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 12:30 PM, Friday, January 21, 2011 at Green Acres Mortuary followed by the Funeral Service at 2:30 PM in Green Acres Chapel of Light 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257.