Robert “Bobby” Steves, Sr. entered rest on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Memorial Hospital in Modesto. With his loving wife of 28 years holding his hand and with a room full of family, he left this world to enter heaven. He was 77 years old.
He was born to Frank Machado Steves and Edna Marie Steves (Fagundes) on April 27, 1941 in French Camp, California. He was preceded in death by his youngest child, Chris, his siblings, Larry, Frank, Tommy, and Doreen. Bob is survived by his wife, Dolores, his son Rob (Lisa), his daughter, Bronwyn “Broni”, step children, Kelly Racacho (Adrian), Diana Mejorado, and Lisa Biocini. Bob had 15 grandchildren, Kristen (Michael), Mary, Robert, Christopher (Amber), Kate, Nicholas, Renee, Ryan, Raquel (Emilio), Kirk (Tina), Alicia (Shane), Sierra, Jennifer (Chris), Daniel (Viviana), and Allison. He also had 12 great-grandchildren. In addition, Bob is survived by his sister, Betty Pratt (Clarence) as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Bob grew up in Manteca, where he graduated from Manteca High School in 1959. He married Carolyn (Connie) Smith in 1961 and together they had three children, Robbie, Broni, and Chris.
He met the love of his life, Dolores, in the early 1980’s and they later married in 1990. They were each other’s constant companion. He spent the last 15 years of his life living in Escalon, Ca, but his home on Union Road was well-known and often visited by people from all over to view his small herd of buffaloes. He was a well-revered contractor and business man in Manteca.
He began working in construction at the age of 17 when he began working for Eavenson Construction as a carpenter. He later obtained his contractor’s license and worked for Bill Perry on St. Francis Estates and Monticello. He began Steves Construction in 1979 but continued to work on various housing developments with McRoy-Wilbur. He was a member and volunteer at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and later St. Patrick’s Church. He enjoyed working on a house, working and spending time in the yard and the ranch. He loved animals and was known to rescue dogs on a regular basis. He was a member of the Manteca JC’s, Nile-Garden 4-H, Manteca-Lathrop Rural Volunteer Fire, Manteca Sports Boosters, M.R.P.S. and F.E.S.M.
Bob was known for his work ethic, his energy, his smile and his generous heart. He enjoyed working, antiques, classic cars, his dogs, and tractors. The center of his world was his wife Dolores, his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He will always be remembered for his sharp wit, infectious smile, and his penchant for mischief. He will be deeply missed by so many.
P. L. Fry & Son is honored to be serving the Steves family. A Rosary/Vigil was held Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 6 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Ripon. The funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association 2290 N. 1st St. #101, San Jose, CA 95131 and Optimal Hospice 1101 Sylvan Avenue, #B-10 Modesto, CA 95350.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
July 25, 2018
