Obituary of Robert J. Cortez

A recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday and Friday for Bob Cortez who passed away peacefully at his Capitola home on Tuesday, February 4th. Bob would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on February 14th. Born in Decoto, California, (now known as Union City), he graduated from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton. He moved to the Santa Cruz area 65 years ago. At a USO dance in 1951 he met Irene Andrade who would become his dance and travel partner for the next 62 years. He served his country in the US Naval Reserve and later began a 43 year career in the sand and gravel industry. At this same time, Bob worked as a police officer for the Santa Cruz Police Reserves from 1955 through 1974. Bob was an accomplished pool player and enjoyed the games and camaraderie in the billiards room of the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge where he was a member for many years. He and his wife Irene attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church and were talented square dancers and members of The Lucky Steppers. Bob and Irene were members of the California Cruisers R.V. Club and traveled in their motor home from Alaska to the Dakotas. They were also experienced world travelers, visiting such destinations as Thailand, South America, Singapore, Bangkok, New Zealand, and the Azores. Many fond memories will be cherished of Bob's passion for trout fishing, the annual trips to Hat Creek, and camping in their R.V. He is survived by his wife Irene Cortez of Capitola, his daughters, Janice Erbe of Santa Cruz and Nancy Lippi of Capitola, his grandchildren, Neil Erbe of San Luis Obispo, and Angelina Lippi of Capitola, and a host of loving cousins and extended family members including his sister-in-law Alice August of San Ramon, and his exchange student from 1973, Roby Villachan M.D. of Brazil, whom Bob loved and cherished as one of his own daughters. Friends may pay their respects at a visitation to be held at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Thursday, February 13th from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A recitation of the rosary will begin at the chapel at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. The mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 14, 2014, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, (435 Monterey Ave.), in Capitola, beginning at 11 a.m. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Santa Cruz. Any kind acts of charity may be made in Bob's memory to The Salvation Army or to St. Joseph's Catholic Community in Capitola.