Robert J. Minitti, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on 6/29/14 after a courageous 8 yr. battle with a rare form of cancer. His positive attitude and fighting spirit were admired by all who knew him. Sheer willpower carried him through the last few days. Robert was born in Windber, PA to Carl and Helen Minitti. He graduated from ASU where he played football under Coach Frank Kush. He taught P.E. and coached in the TUHSD before going to Mesa Community College in 1972 where he coached football and wrestling. Bob was the defensive coordinator for the MCC football teams that won two National Junior College Championships and five conference titles in a span of 10 yrs. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe. Bob is survived by his wife of 51 yrs., Kathleen; children Michelle and Michael (Julia) and grandchildren Sydney, Zachary and Ewan; sisters Catherine Flori and Eleanor Milazzo; brothers Carl, Jr., Alfred and Pat. He was an avid golfer and bass fisherman who was happiest whenever he could launch his boat at Roosevelt Lake and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Catching some four pounders made for a really good outing!! Bob loved family get togethers, especially crab feasts and holiday dinners. "YoYo" adored his grandchildren and beamed with delight as he watched them run around the house laughing and playing. Visitation will be held from 5-8 P.M. Monday, July 14th at Carr-Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, July 15th at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society (stvincentdepaul.net) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org) would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements under the direction of Carr-Tenney Mortuary, Tempe, AZ.
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1 Entry
July 14, 2014
I met Bob for the first time when I retired in 2009 and began playing golf with the "Coach Stites" group at Ahwatukee CC. Over the past 5 years I played golf with Bob many times, and was amazed with the courage he displayed as he moved through the declining stages associated with his cancer.
As I have had several people close to me die from cancer, I was truly amazed by the fact that I never heard Bob complain once about his bad fate or luck to have contracted such a terrible disease.
Down to his last round when he went 9 holes he was a fighter to the end. I can only hope and pray that when it is my time to leave this earth, that I can do it with the courage and grace displayed by Bob.
To his family and friends I am sure you each miss him greatly; however take pride in the fact that he went out like a real man. May his memories and God comfort you in your loss.
Frank Haunschild
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