Robert Wesley Branchini, known to his friends and family as Bobby, 54 of Eureka, passed away May 27, 2020 in San Francisco from a rare, aggressive T-cell lymphoma cancer. He fought hard for three months but ultimately had to leave us. Bobby was one of a kind, he was Italian and Native American, he was a member of the Wiyot Tribe.

He was a loud, boisterous, happy soul, but was also quiet and contemplative. He enjoyed a simple, happy life with Melinda and their three dogs. His life was about hard work, good friends, fitness, wellness, spirituality, lightheartedness, appreciation of nature and its beauty and most of all his love for his family.

He was an amazing father, grandfather, an exceptional friend and a confidante to many. He loved working out and fitness, tacos, ice cream, sports, feng shui and astrology. He believed in the Four Agreements as a way of life, and shared that book with friends and family. Bobby had many friends and was constantly making new ones. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to accept people for exactly who they were and honor them for it. He always brought his best self to the table and was a dynamic personality, charismatic and generous. He wasn’t a surface dweller, he gave you the full, authentic, deep version of himself in every interaction.

Travel was a passion and he and Melinda took several trips to Tulum, Mexico over the years and made lifelong friendships there. It felt like a second home and was their “happy” place.

In 2016, Bobby and Melinda traveled with dear friends to Italy for a vacation of a lifetime. The trip ended with 5 days in Colico, a small city on Lake Como.​ ​ Hoping to find family he had never known, Bobby was stunned by the outpouring of love and acceptance as he met, shared his life and feasted with the descendants of his beloved grandfather. As Bobby was to write them later, from the states, “From the beautiful art and architecture of Florence, to the history of courage and glory in Siena, the brightly-painted stucco buildings on the coast in Cinque Terre, and the welcoming, loving arms of my Branchini Family … I will never be the same! Every hand that I shook … every cheek I kissed … and all the tears of joy we shared … each and every one of you will be with me forever. The first part of my journey I saw through a tourist’s eyes … The remainder of the visit I became Italia!“I plan to keep the spirit of my grandfather, Carlo Amalio, alive and the Branchini name thriving!

“Fino a quando co incontriamo do nuovo!

Until we meet again!”

Bobby was born in Fortuna on March 30, 1966. He was preceded in death by his father, Carlo Branchini and his sister, Kelley (Branchini) Allen. He is survived by his Mother, Penny Branchini, his wife, Melinda Moffitt, his children, Ashlee Gleacher (Colby Gleacher), Brittnie Branchini, Bobby Branchini, Jr, Jake Branchini and Kurt Moffitt, his grandchildren, Arianna Aragon, Antonio Noorigian, and Charlee Gleacher. Bobby is also survived by his niece Gabrielle Branchini and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom he considered family.

Bobby was a people person and shined at any party. He would have loved a gathering of all his friends, so a fitting celebration in his honor will be planned for a time when everyone can come together safely.

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