Roy Dominic Rota

A life-long Napa resident, Roy was born on July 18, 1925 on H Street, to Camillo and Aurelia Rota. On Friday, October 12, 2018, he died peacefully at his Franklin Street home of 68 years. We know Dad is now dancing with his beloved wife, Loretta, who preceded him to their heavenly reward just 11 months ago. Growing up in Napa, a young Roy worked delivering the Napa Register, delivering shoes for Kieg’s Shoe Store, laying hardwood floors, and working for the Napa Assessor’s office. He laughed about his “get rich quick scheme” in logging near Cazadero – hard work that made him no money at all. After WWII, he married his sweetheart Loretta Ponzo. He loved to reminisce about attending her Baptism, as the families were friends. Together Roy and Loretta decided to own a business and started Riverside Service/Automotive Engineering at 967 First Street. He and Loretta ran the business successfully for over 30 years, including a second location in Vallejo, until retirement in 1981. He attended St. John the Baptist School; he and his brothers Ernest and Warren served as altar boys. Roy remained an active member of the parish for many years, seeing that his children also graduated from St. John’s School. He graduated from Napa High School in 1943. Roy served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, training to be a P-51 pilot. To his last days, he loved to tell the tales of his Army training at Buckley Field and what was to become the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Roy worked hard and played hard –always providing “above and beyond” service to his customers, and still finding lots of time to hunt and fish all over the western United States. Retirement didn’t slow him down – there were still deer, pheasant, abalone, ocean fish, and more to be acquired for the many dinners with family and friends. He instilled in his family a love for the outdoors. Roy is survived by his daughters, Jacqueline Euser Hartley of Napa, Marilyn Erwin (husband John Erwin) of Longview, Washington, son Joseph Rota of Calico Rock, Arkansas, and his brother Ernest Rota. His legacy will live on in his six grandchildren: Christopher Erwin, Matthew Erwin, Hannah Euser, Lucas Euser (wife Rachel Euser), Jessica Eads (husband Eric Eads), and Roy Joseph Rota. Roy was delighted to welcome his great-granddaughter, Roslyn Rose Euser, to the family one year ago. He took special joy in his many nieces and nephews. We will forever hold in our hearts the four special caregivers who made Dad’s last year joyous: Esther Aranas, Ashley Hayes, Ann Cullen, and Mervat West. We also thank the staff at Collabria Hospice and the staff of Your Home Nursing Service for their compassionate and loving care. Roy lived a life of to be celebrated: one of love, faith, goodwill, honesty and integrity. A 1:00 PM viewing and 2:00 PM scriptural service will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home, 1975 Main Street, Napa, CA followed by a joyful celebration of Roy’s amazing life at the Napa Elks Lodge, 2840 Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA. Interment at Tulocay Cemetery will be private.

Roy Dominic Rota

July 18, 1925 - October 12, 2018

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Roy Dominic Rota

July 18, 1925 - October 12, 2018

Obituary Notification

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