Robert Angelo Iorio

ROBERT ANGELO IORIO April 15, 1945 - December 18, 2017 Visalia, California Robert was born in Santa Barbara, California, on April 15, 1945 to Ermenegildo and Emelia Iorio and passed away in Visalia, California on December 18, 2017. Robert attended Santa Barbara schools graduating from Santa Barbara High School. He continued his education at Fresno State University graduating with a degree in Music majoring in Woodwinds instruments. His instruments of choice were the clarinet and saxophone but he could adeptly pick up most band instruments and play well. And if there was a piano in the room he would tinkle the ivories equally well. He was a consummate musician. He had a multi career life in: Social Work (Child Protective Services); Real Estate Sales; Music Store Owner (Bob's Music, Hanford); and retiring as a Music Educator (VUSD Music Team). His great avocation was as a performer in Jazz and Big Bands throughout the Valley. He began his band performance career while still in High School and played in The Music Makers continuing on at Fresno State with their marching and concert bands. While in college he played for top headliners appearing at the Hacienda Hotel as well as the Fresno, Tulare and Ventura County Fairs. He played in the Fresno Philharmonic. He also played for Ringling Brothers circus which was not his favorite venue he was fond of saying over the years. He conducted the Sequoia Strings Orchestra in Visalia and was a guest conductor for the Kings County Symphony. He played in the College of the Sequoias Monday and Thursday Night Jazz Bands and the Hal Magney Big Band of Fresno. Additionally he was in the orchestra pit for numerous musicals and events in the area. In retirement Robert hit the bridge tables in earnest becoming an enthusiastic member of the Visalia Duplicate Bridge Club. Robert also enjoyed mentoring others in the fine points of Duplicate Bridge. Robert was an avid sports fan in general and in particular a lifelong diehard Dodgers' fan both in good times and bad. GO DODGERS! Robert is survived by his significant other of 40 years, Diane Hawkes; his sisters-in-law Mary Iorio of Santa Barbara and Barbara Iorio of Smithville, Missouri; his niece and five nephews; and his 15 great nieces and nephews. Robert thoroughly enjoyed his role of being an uncle. Robert also leaves behind his faithful furry four legged companion, Abby. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Edward Iorio and James Iorio. There will be no memorial services. In Robert's memory please consider donating to the Visalia Education Foundation, C/O VUSD, 5000 W. Cypress, Visalia, Ca. 93277. By writing Robert's name on the check it will be directed to the music program. Or to a charity of your choice. His great spirit, good nature and talent have left us. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Farewell. Memorial Tributes can be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.