Robert Edward Monroe
Died March 24, 2012 at his home in Highland, Calif. after a two-year bout with cancer. He was 80.
Monroe was born April 7, 1931 in Los Angeles, Calif. and moved to Glendora, Calif. as a young child. He began his lifelong business career as a college student, buying a small grocery store in the "Veterans' Village" section of the Santa Clara University campus that catered to the returning World War II veterans that made up a large part of the Santa Clara student body in the early 1950s.
The ROTC student graduated in 1952 and joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. During his stint, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany among other Army bases. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant before being discharged honorably in 1956. In 1954, he married Mary Theresa Cavanaugh of Lodi, California and upon his discharge from the Army they settled first in San Mateo and he began his career with Mobil Oil Corp.
After frequent relocations, he and his family settled in Upland, Calif. in 1969. He launched an auto parts distribution business called Century TBA in San Bernardino, Calif. where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
In retirement, he traveled frequently and was active in St. Adelaide's Church in Highland, Calif.
Monroe is preceded in death by first wife Mary Theresa Monroe. He is survived by wife Lois Longo Monroe of Highland, Calif.; sister Mary Helen Monroe of San Bruno, Calif.; brother Joseph Monroe of Napa, Calif.; sons Michael Monroe of Gilroy, Calif.; Daniel Monroe of Carlsbad, Calif.; Patrick Monroe of Tustin Ranch, Calif.; and Robert Monroe of Poway, Calif., 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Following a private viewing, rosary services will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 28 at Mountain View Mortuary, 570 E. Highland Ave. in San Bernardino, Calif. A Mass of christian burial will be held on Thurs., Mar. 29, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at St. Adelaide Catholic Church, 27457 Base Line, Highland, CA.