Robert Joseph Athey

Born on July 26th, 1929, in the city of Chicago, Robert Joseph Athey was the youngest child in a family of 6. At the young age of a year and a half, Bob lost his mother to cancer. After losing his job, Bob's father made the painful decision to place the three younger children in a Catholic orphanage outside the city. Bob remained in the Orphanage until the age of 14 when he returned to his father's house in Chicago.

During the Korean War, Bob was drafted into the Army and was sent to Austria for his tour of duty. He served four years, playing drums in the band and received an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal.

After leaving the Army, Bob attended Saint Mary's College in Moraga and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1957. During his four years at SMC he created an extended family that provided friendship and laughter for the remainder of his life. His special friends, Jack and Mona Witry, Jim Cox, Marty Haley, and Buzz Homsey continued to visit him during the last few months, which we will always be grateful for.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Bob attended Boalt school of Law at UC Berkeley and earned his JD in 1960. Working as an attorney in the city of Oakland, he met the love of his life, Barbara.

Marrying in 1963, Bob and Barbara had three children, Theresa Marie, Julie Ann and John Edgar. Most of their married life, they resided in Moraga and lived an active life with events at SMC, memorable nights at the Moraga Barn, fun trips to their cabins, and many large BBQs with friends.

Retirement called Bob and Barbara to Southern Oregon in 1997 where they enjoyed the beautiful outdoors for ten years until moving to Lincoln to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being the BBQ King, pheasant hunting with his son and beloved dogs, camping, reading, and most of all…. a good party! As his family, we are proud to call him our loving husband, dedicated father, and attentive grandfather. His sense of humor, honesty, compassion, loving nature, and silliness are just a few parts of his personality we will cherish close to our hearts.