Robert Oscar Chiantelli

Robert (Bob) was born in Monterey California on April 20, 1946, the son of Oscar and Peggy Chiantelli. The family settled in Del Rey Oaks in 1950, where Bob spent most of his childhood. He attended Del Rey Woods Elementary School, Fremont Junior High, and Monterey High School. After graduation, he worked with his father in the construction business, helping to build the family home in Del Rey Oaks.

In December of 1966 as the war in Viet Nam was heating up, Bob enlisted in the Air Force. He went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He was stationed in Columbus, Mississippi before being deployed overseas to Guam. In Guam, he was stationed at Anderson Air Force Base, where he worked on the heavy B-52 Bombers. He was promoted to Sargent in 1968 and given the nickname Sargent “ROC”, which stuck with him for many years.  

After being honorably discharged in 1970, Bob returned to Monterey and resumed working in construction with his dad, helping him to build and remodel homes around the Monterey Peninsula. A few years later, Bob accepted a job with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) working at the Moss Landing Power Plant, where he maintained the large boilers. He later got his certification as a mechanic and began servicing the large PG&E utility trucks. He retired from PG&E in 2001, continuing to work a few part time jobs to occupy his time.

Bob had several hobbies over the years. Throughout his life, he was an avid body builder and worked out at numerous gyms in the area where his nickname the “ROC” served him well. He prided himself on his physical fitness, strength, and discipline. As a young man, Bob put together an impressive stamp collection, with many specimens sent by the family in Italy, including some from the Vatican. After he started working for PG&E, he got interested in collecting glass insulators used on power poles. His collection included samples as far away as Australia where his sister lived at the time. He also loved vintage American cars and owned a 1947 Hudson convertible that he worked on. Shortly after retirement, he took up a paint brush and created several lovely Italian landscapes which continue to hang at various friends and family homes. He also developed a taste for California historical paintings and built up a modest collection. Bob could be found most mornings at the local Starbucks, visiting with his friends in the “Brew Crew”. In later years, he took up carpentry again where he busied himself building sheds, fences, patios, and bird houses.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Peggy (2005), and by his father Oscar (2017). He is survived by his two sisters, Tina Dubs (John) of Monterey, and Lisa Chiantelli of Pacific Grove. Three nephews Michael “Robert” Mosebach (Lilly), Paul Van Langen, and Ian “Robert” Donnelly. A niece Lisa Szuch. A great nephew Jordan, and two great nieces Alysa and Lauren. Bob is also survived by his long-time companion and best friend Katie “Kate-Ster” Storelli, and dear friends Robert Casey, Joe and Joseann Tringali, David and Annette “Netta” Brown, and several cousins.

Visitation will be held at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero, in Monterey on June 16th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Burial will be held at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, in Seaside on June 17th at 11:00 am. Donations can be sent to the Veteran’s charity of choice.