Robert Viscente Chaffino

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert V. Chaffino, age 83, of Upland, California, who passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Born on January 25, 1943, in Monterey Park, California, Robert lived a life defined by service, leadership, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher V. Chaffino; his parents, Jose and Lupe Chavez; his brothers Ricardo Chavez, George Chavez, Juan Chavez, and Jose “Sukie” Chaffino with his wife Emilia.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Sharon M. Chaffino; his daughter Lisa Chaffino Murdy and her husband William Murdy, along with their children Lucas Hernandez, Connor Hernandez, and Lauren Murdy; his granddaughter Samantha Chaffino Camarena and her husband Daniel Camarena; his bonus daughter Karine Sarkissiyan Fickes and her husband Chris Fickes, along with their daughters Abigail and Madeline Fickes; and his daughter Teresa Whitney Stephens and her husband Rick Stephens, along with their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Rose Jamison.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including a year stationed in Korea, before returning to the United States where he was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sharon, and began building the family that would become his greatest pride.

Following his military service, Robert dedicated his professional life to the credit union industry, where he earned widespread respect for his leadership and vision. In 1988, he became CEO of Montebello Schools Federal Credit Union, where he led its transformation by expanding membership to the broader community and rebranding it as Camino Federal Credit Union. He also played a key role in the design and development of the credit union’s current headquarters. He retired from Camino FCU in 2009.

His passion for the credit union movement extended beyond his role, as he advocated at both the state and national level, including participating in efforts in Washington, D.C. His lifelong contributions were recognized with the prestigious Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award from the California and Nevada Credit Union League in 2007. Following retirement, he continued his service on the Board of Directors for Inland Empire Credit Union and later Credit Union of Southern California.

Robert’s commitment to service extended deeply into his community through the Kiwanis Club. In Montebello, he served multiple terms as Chair, raising funds for scholarships and organizing holiday support for families in need. In Upland, he continued this mission through the Upland-Foothill Kiwanis Club, where he was instrumental in leading the “Food for Fridays” program, helping address food insecurity for local children during weekends and school breaks.

Above all, Robert will be remembered for the love he gave so freely to those who know him as, “Daddy,” “Papa,” and “Uncle Bob.” He lived by the belief that if you are in a position to help, you have a responsibility to do so. His legacy of compassion, service, and dedication to family will live on for generations.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Upland, 869 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, California, with a private interment at Forest Lawn Covina Hills to follow at a later date.

In recognition of Robert’s lifelong commitment to service, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Upland Foothill Kiwanis to continue his work: https://ufkiwanis.org

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.