COL Robert J.W. DeSanto, Jr USAF (RET) passed away on June 20, 2015 with his family by his side. 

 

Bobby is survived by the love of his life, Irene, whom he married 52 years ago.  He is also survived by his three daughters:  Sarah (COL (RET) Bill Salter), Sandy Bates and Gina DeSanto MD.  Bobby and Irene have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Jessica, Joshua, Billy, Mathew, Brandon, Seth, Draven, William, and Gwenny.

 

Bobby was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota and was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Babe DeSanto.  He enjoyed his three siblings, Katie (Steve) Aufderheide, Gloria (Clark) Coole and Bill (Barb) DeSanto and eight nieces/nephews.

 

Following his passion of flying from a very early age, Bobby graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in June 1963.  Upon graduation he attended pilot training achieving his dream job.  Throughout his military career he flew more than 4500 hours, including a total of 560 combat hours while serving in Vietnam.  Bobby served in the United States Air Force for 28 years.  His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with ten oak leaf clusters.  Upon retirement, he and his wife settled in Austin, Texas.

 

Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, patriot and friend.  He never met a stranger and would always go out of his way to help others.