Marquette––Robert Alan DePetro, 56, fondly known as “Uncle Rob”, entered eternal life Wednesday evening, May 16, 2007, at Marquette General Hospital.
Born February 21, 1951, in Marquette, a son of Rocco and Corrine (Brunelle) DePetro, Robert was a lifelong Marquette resident. He attended Bishop Baraga High School where he played football and was a member of the class of 1969; the last class to graduate from the school. Robert, early on, developed a love of athletics which was to carry through to his adult years. An avid hockey participant and fan, he coached Marquette Junior Hockey for 17 years and also played in the Men’s Senior League Hockey, sponsored by Hoover’s Auto Body, the Third Base, and the Office Bar. He also coached Marquette Little League baseball for many years, as well as, coaching the Elks baseball team for many seasons. Hockey and baseball were his passion and he never tired of equipping the youth he coached with the principles and love of the game. He was an enthusiastic fan, following the performances of his nieces and nephews in their hockey and baseball endeavors. Apart from hockey and baseball, he also had a passion for RV’ing, camping, cribbage, bowling, and spending long, late nights around campfires. And, Robert always made sure that all his friends made it home safe from a night on the town. Robert was employed since 1988 at the Public Service Garage, as manager of the parts department. He was a member of Msgr. Nolan B. McKevitt Council #689 Knights of Columbus and the Marquette Elks Lodge #405 B.P.O.E.
A loving husband, father, brother, and friend, Robert is survived by his wife, Lori Ann (Erath) DePetro, whom he married July 2, 1988 at Halfway Location; a son, Derrick DePetro of Marquette; two sisters, Joyce (Jack) Brugman and Phyllis (Eddie) Voet both of Marquette; two brothers, Raymond (June) DePetro of Marquette and Donald (Ellie) DePetro of Shelbyville; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joyce and Don Erath of Marquette; sister-in-law, Cathy (Tom) Erspamer of Marquette; brother-in-law, Dan Erath of Ishpeming; and lots of adopted nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Kathleen DePetro; and nephew, Alan Voet.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church on Monday, May 21, at 11:00 am with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick as celebrant. Gary Johnstone, Joe Voet, Jeff Green, John DePetro, Tom Erspamer, and Dave Brugman will serve as pallbearers. A reception for family and friends will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette Junior Hockey Program, 401 E. Fair Ave., Suite 103, Marquette, MI 49855.