Robert Dean Fager
May 3, 1937 — May 3, 2011
Robert Dean Fager, 74, was born in San Gabriel, California on October 30, 1936 and entered into enternal rest on May 3, 2011 in Montebello, California. The son of Lloyd and Edna Fager, he was the youngest of five siblings. "Bob's" active upbringing led him to passions and hobbies of lifeguarding, diving and "clown diving" for area pools and exhibitions as a young man.
Bob enlisted into the United States Army, striving and earning the status of Airborne Paratrooper within the 187th Infantry Regiment "Rakkasans," a regiment of the 101st Airborne Division - "Screaming Eagles." His military service allowed him various deployments in country as well as Japan.
Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Bob worked in a variety of fields within the meatpacking industries in Los Angeles and Vernon. Ultimately he achieved his career ambition with his hiring by the Montebello Fire Department in 1967 as a "Firefighter." This was to mark the beginning of a consummate 31 year career. His service with the Montebello Fire Department took him through the ranks of Engineer, Captain, Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief and ultimately, Fire Chief. Chief Bob Fager served in this capacity for eight years, retiring in 1996. His accolades and Departmental achievements are abundant. Outside of family, nothing held a deeper personal pride and fulfillment for him than his side-by-side service and respect he held for the men and women of the Montebello Fire Department and their support.
Bob developed life-long friendships with a multitude of Fire Service leaders, Civic leaders and groups, as well as benefit organizations. The Montebello Rotary Club always held a special place in his heart and service. He served as President of Rotary in 1995-96. In his retirement years, Bob continued local service as Commissioner on the Montebello Planning Commission.
Bob's lifelong passions and hobbies included diving, photography, and golfing with his long-time friend, Chief Bob Metz (MFD Ret.). During such, Bob admirably battled Parkinson's disease for fourteen years, finally succumbing to its effects on May 3, 2011.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rose, his son Robert Jr. and daughter-in-law, Cathy, his grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, Juliana, and his sister, Shirley Krigbaum. Robert is predeceased by both of his parents, his brothers, Don and Eugene, and his sister Dorothy. He also leaves his niece, Linda Collins of Fullerton and his nephew, Dave Fager of Fort Collins, CO.
Bob was a prototypical gentleman, husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing surpassed his love and pride for his family. Putting others before him was the way he was and the class and character he embodied. His presence made everyone better and his family's love for him unending.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 4-9:00pm at the Risher Montebello Mortuary chapel. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 10:00am at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Montebello. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made on Bob's behalf to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org and/or the Beverly Hospital Foundation at 309 W. Beverly Bl., Montebello, Ca. 90640.
Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through our Guest Book.
Bob enlisted into the United States Army, striving and earning the status of Airborne Paratrooper within the 187th Infantry Regiment "Rakkasans," a regiment of the 101st Airborne Division - "Screaming Eagles." His military service allowed him various deployments in country as well as Japan.
Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Bob worked in a variety of fields within the meatpacking industries in Los Angeles and Vernon. Ultimately he achieved his career ambition with his hiring by the Montebello Fire Department in 1967 as a "Firefighter." This was to mark the beginning of a consummate 31 year career. His service with the Montebello Fire Department took him through the ranks of Engineer, Captain, Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief and ultimately, Fire Chief. Chief Bob Fager served in this capacity for eight years, retiring in 1996. His accolades and Departmental achievements are abundant. Outside of family, nothing held a deeper personal pride and fulfillment for him than his side-by-side service and respect he held for the men and women of the Montebello Fire Department and their support.
Bob developed life-long friendships with a multitude of Fire Service leaders, Civic leaders and groups, as well as benefit organizations. The Montebello Rotary Club always held a special place in his heart and service. He served as President of Rotary in 1995-96. In his retirement years, Bob continued local service as Commissioner on the Montebello Planning Commission.
Bob's lifelong passions and hobbies included diving, photography, and golfing with his long-time friend, Chief Bob Metz (MFD Ret.). During such, Bob admirably battled Parkinson's disease for fourteen years, finally succumbing to its effects on May 3, 2011.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rose, his son Robert Jr. and daughter-in-law, Cathy, his grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, Juliana, and his sister, Shirley Krigbaum. Robert is predeceased by both of his parents, his brothers, Don and Eugene, and his sister Dorothy. He also leaves his niece, Linda Collins of Fullerton and his nephew, Dave Fager of Fort Collins, CO.
Bob was a prototypical gentleman, husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing surpassed his love and pride for his family. Putting others before him was the way he was and the class and character he embodied. His presence made everyone better and his family's love for him unending.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 4-9:00pm at the Risher Montebello Mortuary chapel. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 10:00am at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Montebello. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made on Bob's behalf to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org and/or the Beverly Hospital Foundation at 309 W. Beverly Bl., Montebello, Ca. 90640.
Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through our Guest Book.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Dean Fager, please visit our flower store.