Memorial Slideshow
Robert Fertado Memorial Slideshow from Angela Caragan on Vimeo.
Memorandum
Pastor Robert E. Fertado
4/11/47 - 2/16/12
Pastor Robert Eugene Fertado, 64, died February 16, 2012, in Benicia, CA after a brief battle with cancer. He was laid to rest in the Benicia City Cemetery at a private graveside service February 22, 2012.
Friends and family joined together at a memorial service and celebration of life on Saturday, March 10, 2012. There, they shared stories, memories and celebrated his homecoming. (Read the Eulogy by his daughter)
He was born April 11, 1947, in Antioch CA to Eugene and Rose Fertado.
Robert grew up in Antioch and frequented Oakley visiting his grandfather's ranch. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1965. He attended college at the San Jose State University and California State University of Chico, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching credential.
While attending school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves, serving the military as an operating room assistant.
In 1972, he met Martha Lawrence via a high school friend who is also her cousin. They married in Lake Tahoe, NV in 1973.
While working at the Pittsburg hospital, he was invited to the United Pentecostal Church of Pittsburg and began attending regularly. After being very active in the church, he felt a call to the ministry and achieved his minister's license.
In 1983 he moved to Benicia CA to establish a new church. There, he remained pastor of the local congregation until his passing. During the duration of his pastorship, he began a Deaf Ministry in the church and learned some basic Sign Language.
He also worked for 7-Up Bottling Company for 18 years and was self-employed as a professional wedding photographer for Robert's Photography from 1982-2011, taking photos at over 1500 events.
His interests included photography, gardening, trick kite flying, yo-yo tricks, target shooting, and cycling.
Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Martha; daughter Robin Epitacio and her husband Jan; daughter Angela Caragan and her husband Eddie; granddaughter Esmane Epitacio; mother, Rose Fertado; step-mother, Bette Fertado; sister, Susan Pallas; brother, Fred Fertado; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Fertado.