Robert James "Bob" "Fudge" Facincani

Robert “Bob” “Fudge” Facincani died peacefully at St. James Hospital on January 10, 2023. He was born at home on East Mercury Street on March 26, 1929, to Gaetano Facincani and Josephine Ruffatto Facincani. The middle child of seven children, Bob attended Grant School and graduated from Butte High School in 1946. Upon graduation, he wanted to join the U.S. Army, but since he was only 17, his parents reluctantly signed the necessary papers so that he would be eligible. However, when he took the required medical exam, he was turned down because he could only see with one eye. Bob worked as a brick layer at the Anaconda Smelter until he was drafted to serve his country in the Korean War. When he went for his physical, he told the doctor that he had failed a prior exam because he could only see with one eye. The doctor replied that he only needed one eye and sent him off to Korea to be a telephone lineman. He often said that he had the same job as Klinger on Mash, but he didn’t have to wear a dress. After Bob’s service in Korea, he returned home and was able to attend college, a dream he never thought he’d realize, all because of the G.I. Bill. He earned a bachelor’s and later a master’s degree from Western Montana College. During his college years, he married Evelyn Tyvi, and they raised two sons, Glen and Greg. They later divorced. Bob worked at East Middle School and eventually Butte High. He taught German and retired as one of Butte High’s librarians. Bob had a lifetime love of books. In 1987, he married Linda Lombardi, and they had a son, Lee. Bob retired from his job to raise Lee while Linda continued working. Lee and his dad had many fun adventures together. When Lee went to pre-school and grade school, Bob often served as a teacher’s helper or field trip aide. Bob, Linda, and Lee traveled to every state, and crossed the country many times by car and plane to visit family in Rhode Island, Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington. They also enjoyed visiting countries in Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. Bob liked it all, but he absolutely loved Ireland because the people there could match his wit and good humor. During his lifetime, Bob gave a lot of his time to Butte organizations. He served on the boards of the Butte Symphony and Ed-tech Federal Credit Union (now Horizon). He held virtually every office in Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge, where he was secretary-treasurer for many years. Throughout his teaching career, Bob was very involved in the Butte Teachers’ Union and again held nearly every office in that organization. Of all his amazing accomplishments, Bob always said that his father felt most proud when he was elected President of the Teachers’ Union. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, sisters: Delores Facincani, Caroline Facincani, Verona Facincani, and Leona Shrum, brothers: Luis Facincani and John Facincani, and most recently, his beloved son, Glen. He is survived by his wife, Linda, sons, Greg and Lee, former daughter-in-law, Betsy, grandchildren, Ethan and Sara (Kelly), and numerous nieces and nephews. It is extremely sad to read an obituary and realize that a person’s entire life is reduced to a few hundred words, but we all know that Bob’s life meant a lot more than the words printed here. Bob’s 93 years were filled with lots of happiness and love, but also sorrowful times as well. His remarkable stories about growing up in an ethnically diverse mining town, the Grant School, selling newspapers on the street, living through the depression and World War II will live on. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, neighbor, and friend. Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bob’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 20 at 11:00 a.m. IN Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with visitations at 10 a.m. Interment of ashes will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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Robert James "Bob" "Fudge" Facincani

March 26, 1929 - January 10, 2023