Robert William Serventi
December 20, 1946 – June 24, 2016
Robert William Serventi passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2016, due to complications of leukemia, at age 69. He was a generous man, and thought first of his family, even in his illness. He was devoutly religious and deeply loved his family.
Bob was born in Concord, California, to a tightly-knit family with eight siblings. He graduated from Berkeley then joined the Peace Corps in Peru. He later enrolled at the University of Michigan for his MBA and met his wife Katy there. Bob and Katy were married 40 years and raised and were very proud of their four children, Christine, Peter, Lisa, and Matthew, and two grandchildren.
Bob’s career included vice president and later president of a bank, CFO/CEO, and 14 years ago he joined the Diocese of San Jose as Chief Financial Officer. He found a second home there, made close friendships, and his actions made positive contributions to the Diocese. He was chosen as Chairman of the Board of the RETA Trust, was a founding board member of the Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County, board member of Catholic Charities, and was invested in the Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic School System, for which he was also a member of the board. He was deeply honored to have received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award from the Holy Father, at the request of Bishop Patrick McGrath.
Bob was a man of many interests and accomplishments. Outside of work, he had a passion for gardening, winemaking, and a secret love of marching music. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making special dishes when family and friends came to visit. He loved to travel and had made his way around the globe. He was interested in genealogy and history; he was a stamp collector; he was a jack-of-all-trades and hand-built additions to his two homes as well as myriad home tasks and woodworking projects. He always found a way to inspire confidence and encourage others. Most of all, he loved spending time with family.
Bob was a good man—in word, thought, and deed. He was much loved, honored, and respected and will be remembered.