Obituaries

Roby passed away on November 1, 2017 at the age of 93. He had a large and loving family and is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Steve and Lorrey Pierce, grandson Nicholas, sister Paula Reeg, four nieces, four nephews and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Roby was preceded in death by his wife Millie Pierce, five sisters, two brothers, three nieces and two nephews. Roby was a devoted and loving husband, amazing father, proud grandfather, caring uncle, and was admired by and influenced many people.

Born in Louisiana, Roby grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Pelahatchie High School. In 1942, at the age of 18, he came to Niles and worked at Pacific States Steel for 6 months before joining the US Navy. He was discharged as a Boatswain’s Mate, Second Class in 1945 and returned to Pacific States Steel, where he worked as a shearman for 33 years. After the closure of the steel mill, Roby worked for Duffel Construction Company and Marshall Brothers Construction.

Roby was a proud retiree of United Steel Workers Local 3367, a founding member of the First United Methodist Church of Fremont and long-time member of the Washington Township Men’s Club. For many years, he and his family went rock hunting with the Castro Valley Mineral and Gem Society. Roby and Millie traveled throughout the US, Canada and Mexico in their RV. They also fulfilled their lifelong dream of traveling the world, taking many cruises and trips and visited more than 45 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Roby was particularly fond of their trips to China.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 13, at 11:00AM at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont. Inurnment will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the charity of your choice.