Robert Joseph Foley

December 25, 1933 - June 1, 2013

Robert Joseph Foley, 79, passed away on June 1 at his home in Napa. He was born in San Jose, California to Robert Joseph and Marjorie A. (Gillespie) Foley, moving with his family to Myrtle Creek, Oregon, Eureka, Nevada, and Elmira, California, until the family finally settled in Napa in 1945. He graduated from Napa High School in 1952. He married Carol Meehan in 1956 and they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on June 9th. Following graduation, he held a number of jobs including maintenance at the fairgrounds, truck driving, locomotive fireman for Southern Pacific, surveyor's assistant, and transit-mixer driver. Adopting his father's career choice before him, he joined the Napa Fire Department in 1959, first serving as a reserve firefighter, then full-time firefighter, then eventually promoted to Captain in 1962. His career with the Napa Fire Department spanned 33 years, including service as Training Officer, until retiring in 1992. He was awarded Firefighter of The Year by the Napa Chamber of Commerce in 1987. He was also appointed an Honorary Member of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in 1980. He belonged to many associations during his lifetime which reflected his deep interest in railroading, trucking, fire protection, and history. His family suggests contributions in his memory may be made to Napa Valley Hospice, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa CA 94559. Arrangements are private. Please share memories with the family at treadwaywigger.com