Robert "Bob" Phillip de Aragon passed peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2022, in Gilroy, California at the age of 88. He was surrounded by family during his final days. Bob bravely battled a variety of health issues, serving as an example of courage and perseverance to all those who knew him.

Bob was born May 4, 1934 in Denver, Colorado, where he lived most of his life. He was the fifth of six children born to Amelia and Ray John de Aragon. He graduated from Manual High School.

Bob served two years in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Korea. Stationed at the Korean demilitarized zone, he served as a military policeman and company armorer for the 24 ^th Infantry Division and later with the reorganized 7 ^th Calvary. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his service. He also served another six years in the Army Reserves.

After serving in the military, he worked as an electrician for more than 35 years. In 2014 he relocated with his wife, Gennevieve, to Gilroy to be near family. As a veteran, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6309 in Gilroy. He also served as the Gilroy Memorial Day 2020 Parade Grand Marshall.

Bob was a dedicated and loving father, providing a remarkable example for his children. He never missed an opportunity to participate in his daughters' lives, whether it was taking them to practices, cheering them on at games and competitions, or teaching them the many life lessons like how to swim, change a tire, or use his precious tools. Even when his daughters were grown and had families of their own, he was proud to be able to share in their lives. This dedication continued with his grandchildren, by supporting all their activities, sharing his love for movies and always being there for them.

Bob had many passions, among them reading, going to the movies, and as a super fan of the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies, though he quickly became a fan of the 49ers and Giants after moving to the Bay Area. But after retirement, wood carving became his joy. He was known in Gilroy for making Harry Potter wands for local school children who completed reading the popular series. He crafted nearly 300 wands over the years. Bob also crafted many animals, puzzles and toys for his grandchildren throughout the years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gennevieve de Aragon, daughters Theresa de Aragon-Thompson (Ron) of Anchorage, AK and Chris West (Todd) of Gilroy, CA; grandchildren Kayli Thompson (Wes Rabung) of Anchorage, AK, Tyler Thompson (Megan) of Anchorage, AK, Jordan West, and Eli West, both of Gilroy, CA; many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and 4 grand puppies (Buddy, Holly, Lucy and Sasha).

He was preceded in death by his mother Amelia (Sena) Ireland and father Ray John de Aragon, stepfather Bud Ireland, siblings Delores de Aragon-Young, Orlando de Aragon, Raymond de Aragon, Carlos de Aragon and Louis de Aragon.

As a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, Bob will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Freedom Paws ( www.OperationFreedomPaws.org ) in Gilroy, other veterans' organizations, or a charity of your choice.