Robert A. Alipaz, 76, passed away on May 30th, 2022 at his home in Bakersfield, CA, surrounded by family.
The oldest of 11 children, Robert was born on September 19, 1945 in Nashville, TN to Alexander and Frances Alipaz. He moved with his family to Fresno, CA in 1961, and graduated in ’65 from Washington Union High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served 3 tours of duty, including Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1976. Between 1976 and 1985 he spent his time traveling the world and working in various careers from a barber to an armored car driver. In 1985 he moved to the Bakersfield area and continued to serve the public working as a Corrections Officer at the Tehachapi Correctional Center where he eventually retired with the rank of Sergeant in 2013. In 2001 he met Cindy Cornejo and spent the last 22 years of his life in a loving relationship with her.
Robert loved California sports teams. Depending on the season, you’d find him rooting for the Angels or the Raiders. He enjoyed playing 8-ball, throwing darts, watching movies in “his chair,” and was often found with a lotto scratcher in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. In his later years he enjoyed traveling to the coast and usually ventured to the nearest casino. Above all, Robert loved spending time with his family and friends. He was exceptionally kind and offered a willing ear, a hug, or anything else needed to anyone who asked.
Robert is survived by the love of his life, Cindy Cornejo; his brothers Steve, Tim, Jerry, and Christopher; his sisters Joanne and Elena; his stepchildren Michael and Misty, his son-in-law Jared; his grandchildren Shandy, Braeden, Broderick, Brock, Zoey, Lola, and Bubba (Noah). He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Frances, his brothers Patrick, Daniel, Tommy, and John, his daughter Elizabeth, and his grandson Cyrus. He will be truly missed.
A Rosary service will be held Thursday, June 23rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Greenlawn Southwest Chapel, 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 24th at 10:00 AM at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA. A reception and celebration of life will follow the service at 12:00 PM at the Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road, Bakersfield.