Robert E. Faaborg (Bobby) was born Oct. 1, 1935, in St. Augustine, Fla. He was the oldest child born to George Hanson Faaborg and Aleen (Manucy) Faaborg. His father was a fisherman and his mother was a homemaker. Bobby was the oldest of 10 children. His siblings were Elizabeth, James (Buck), Horace, Lucille (Sissy), Nita, William, Darline, Diane and David Lee. Since he was related to most of the residents in town, adventure was always right around the corner. As a child, Bobby spent lots of time playing in St. Augustine's famed Fountain of Youth.

He died March 1, 2020, at age 84 following a fall.

In 1955, Bobby joined the Navy with a couple of friends, Ralph and John, from Fort Myers, Fla. The Navy brought him to San Diego, where he met DeLora Clark. At the time, she was on roller skates, delivering food as a carhop despite having a broken arm.

Bobby and DeLora spent their 27 years of marriage in Poway and raised five children: Robert, Bill, Jim, John and Lisa. Life at home was busy, but there was always room for a few more people at the extra-large dinner table; friends, family and even community members who needed a hand were always welcome. In 1980, he opened Poway Valley Automotive; he employed son Bill as head mechanic.

In 1988, Bobby lost his wife and the mother of his children in a car accident in Poway.

In June of 1992, Bobby married Dorinda Phillips at the family home. They enjoyed going to concerts -- seeing some of Bobby's favorites like Frankie Valli and Johnny Cash -- and traveling, including a 2019 trip to Panama. He was looking forward to a Mediterranean cruise in October. Rose-Bud, their dog, has been a faithful companion since they got her as a puppy.

Bobby was a longtime member of The Rotary Club of Poway and of the Knights of Columbus. He loved watching NASCAR races, in person when possible, but could be found many Sundays during the season following the action on television. He had an affinity for Ford trucks; he loved them and drove them much of his life.

Bobby is survived by his wife Dorinda; his children Robert Faaborg, Bill Faaborg, Jim Faaborg, John Faaborg and Lisa Faaborg; Dorinda's daughter, Kelly Knufken; 15 grandchildren; and siblings Sissy, Nita, William, Darline and Diane; a great-grandchild is expected in August.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 4-8 p.m. at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary, 13243 Poway Road, Poway, California 92064. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 13734 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064. Following the funeral, burial will be at Dearborn Cemetery; also following the funeral will be a luncheon reception at St. Gabriel's.

Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.