Bob “Petie” Angulo
On July 4th, 2013, we lost a very special man. At a remarkably youthful & energetic age of 77, Robert Albert Angulo succumbed to Mesothelioma.
Born & raised in Santa Barbara he was known by many loveable nicknames; including ‘Petie’. He attended Lincoln School & SBJH. During summers he loaded crates of lemons onto railroad box cars at the Goleta Lemon packing house where his mom worked & also after school helping his dad at an auto body shop. He played on the Don’s SBHS’s football team & graduated with the Class of 1954. A month later he joined the US Navy serving on the USS Rochester C-124, a heavy cruiser ship as a boiler tender (where he was unknowingly exposed to asbestos), until his honorable discharge in 1958. After serving his country, he worked various labor intensive jobs due to his strong physique. It was during one of these jobs he found his lifetime profession – a big rig truck driver where he became a local legend by consistently making more pickups & deliveries in a day than anyone else. He drove for Smith Transportation until 1989 – almost 30 years. Then, ‘BA’ drove for Di Salvo, PDX, & lastly, Crescent Truck Lines where their slogan “Loaded with Experience” suited Bob to a tee. He excelled at his job, played pranks on his coworkers, & enjoyed the wonderful people he met along his routes. After retiring from driving trucks, he taught Driver’s Ed where he added safety lessons for his students from a ‘truckers point of view’.
Bob took up the sport of bowling in his forties & bowled in many leagues & tournaments at San Marcos Lanes, Orchid Bowl & Zodo’s. The highlight of his bowling occurred on Jan. 9, 2012 when he bowled his FIRST perfect 300 game…at the young age of 76 – the oldest to accomplish this in Santa Barbara bowling history!
Bob began coaching youngsters at San Marcos Bowl in the 1990’s & continued coaching at Orchid Bowl & Zodo’s. He was a Bronze Level Bowling Coach & mentored many youngsters & adults to improve their games. Obviously a well-loved coach, whenever he was former students, all grown up, would come up to him with a hug & thanks for what he had taught them.
Bob was involved with the SB Boys Club Alumni (where he was honored as Boy of the Year in 1953), Los Pisano’s Golf Club, Plumbers & Peddlers Golf Club, Goleta Lions Golf Tourneys, Encina Royale Board of Directors & committees, Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, Elks Good Fellowship League, Elks Caravaneers 613 where he had looked forward to being the 2013 Assistant Wagon Master.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Antonia & Albert; his brother Gilbert; his Aunt Pat & Uncle Fred. Surviving relatives include his loving wife of 26 years, Sharon; his brother Rey; son Rob; daughter’s Gloria, Debra, & Nancy; grandchildren Kelsey, Sam, Moshe-David, & Bracha; nieces Sarah & Valerie & Sharon’s sister Shelley.
Bob’s family wish to thank & acknowledge all doctors, staff & facilities whom treated Bob.
My husband, Bob, was a strong big guy with a heart to match. He was the kindest most ‘gentle’ man I’ve ever known. He unselfishly, offered me the rare gift of unconditional love, respect & true admiration. He stood by me & was always there for me no matter the consequences. Honey, you are my rock for eternity.
“Life of Bob” is Sat, July 27, from 4-8 pm at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge. McDermott-Crockett will handle Military honors at Calvary Cemetery to be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of Santa Barbara, VNA Hospice, The Serenity House, Food from the Heart, or Zodo’s Youth Program’s “Coach Bob Youth Bowling Scholarship”.