Robert Laverne Cragle Jr.'s Obituary
Robert Laverne Cragle, Jr. 77 passed away peacefully on a rainy, San Diego evening on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026.
Affectionately known as “Butch, Pops, Brother Bob, G’Pa, and Steeler Bob”, Robert was an exceptional guitar player, an avid baseball (Padres), football (Steelers) fan, and as a retired member of the San Diego APA pool league, he remained involved with his team as their loyal “mascot”.
He passed along his mother’s love for music to his four children; enriching their lives with memories of him playing his guitar just before bedtime, hosting weekend jam sessions and opening his home to anyone who wanted to join and teaching his eldest son (Travis) the art of playing the guitar. Robert passed along his love of baseball to his youngest son (Shaun), starting young with a simple game of catch in the yard, and later serving as his coach in the Poway National Little League; he never missed an opportunity to be at the field to show his support. He was the best of the best when it came to fathers and was the first person to show up when you needed him.
He was the first volunteer to drive his daughter (Michelle) to the American Idol try outs in San Diego; even if that meant a 3am start, and an all-day wait at the stadium for her chance to pursue her dream. And was the first to offer his time in retirement to his eldest daughter (Charisse), being the regular pickup from school for his grandchildren, only to head to the park for time on the swings. Or a regular stop at the local 711 to grab them a treat; just as he did every Sunday with his own kids when they were young.
He left his mark in San Diego over the last 60 years, but his family and friends in his hometown of Ellwood City, PA have never been far from his heart; talking about them often, and regularly checking in with his cousins, nieces and nephews to be sure they knew how much he loved them.
Not only was he loved by his immediate family, but he was a staple in the lives of those he called his friends. He showed up without question, for anyone who asked for help, and he was just a genuine, solid human being.
If you knew (our Dad), we would want you to remember him for his sense of humor (he thought EVERY joke was funny, so much he would be crying so hard laughing it would take him a few tries to retell it), that his family and friends were his everything, and he would want his last impression in this life to be one of love; remembering his big beautiful smile, and a final hug to let you know he is with you, always.
Survivors include his brother Donald Kent (Rebekah); four children Charisse Officer, Travis Cragle (Sierra), Michelle Sarno (Vito), Shaun Cragle (Mandy); seven grandchildren Alexis, Autumn, Alayna, Randy, Kylie (Naomi), Emil.
Preceded in death by Robert Laverne Cragle, Sr. (father), Donna Cross (sister), Dorothy P. DeFonde (mother), and Guy “Nootch” DeFonde, Jr. (stepfather).
A celebration of life will be held in late June, 2026 in his beloved community, Poway, CA.
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