Robert Infelise, known affectionately to many as Dr. Bob, passed away of natural causes on January 11, 2018. Born and raised in Hollister, CA to Clara Guerra and Frank Infelise, he attended San Benito High School and Junior College. He served as a photographer in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and graduated with a bachelor’s from Santa Clara University. He completed graduate work at San Jose State, Stanford and Santa Clara before getting his doctorate degree in Education at Brigham Young University.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Bob started his administrative career in Union City, CA. Later he served as the Superintendent at Gilroy Unified School District for twelve years. After a run for State Assemblyman and working overseas, he returned to the central coast as the Superintendent of Carmel Unified School District. Known as the “Supt de Jour” for his many interim Superintendent positions around the Monterey Peninsula, including MPUSD, Dr. Bob also served on many school boards, councils and as an Administrative Consultant to various school districts in California and in American Schools overseas in Europe, the Middle East and Mexico.
He had a deep commitment to the Monterey Peninsula community and served as the Executive Director for Community Health Plan, was a past president of the Monterey Peninsula College Board of Trustees, served on Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce, and was also a founding member of the International School of Monterey and Gilroy Garlic Festival.
He was an avid golfer, loved to travel with his family, and listen to Sinatra while cruising along the ocean. Dr. Bob was a loving husband and father,and is survived by his wife Bobbie and their two children Renee and Monica, as well as son Peter Infelise, daughter BethAnn Chabolla and their children. The family would like to thank Steve Bagby for taking Bob golfing and for trips down the coast as well as the Del Monte staff for their care. Special thanks to Jack Gyves, Vance Baldwin and Marvin Biasotti for their visits and stories that continued to engage Bob and make him smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Carmel Middle School.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:MPC Theatre Company Charitable Trust PO Box 761, Monterey CA 93942-0761, http://www.mpctheatreco.com.
December 20, 1925 – January 11, 2018
