Robert T. Alti

Robert T. Alti, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away, Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green St., Benton Harbor, with Rev. Laurie Hartzell officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, with Military Honors conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel with Elks Rites conducted at 7:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Elks National Foundation. Those wishing to sign Robert’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bob was born March 25, 1928 in Benton Harbor to Joseph & Ellen (Bagonla) Alti. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1947, and Benton Harbor Jr. College before enlisting in the US Army and serving his country during the Korean War. On May 22, 1954, Bob married the former Mary “Dolores” Gilbert in Benton Harbor. He was employed at Whirlpool for nearly 40 years in various capacities, retiring in 1990. Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor BPOE #541 where he was a Past Exalted Ruler, Whirlpool Oldtimers & Management Club, St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center where he formerly served on the board, and a former member of the Stevensville American Legion. Bob served for many years on his class reunion committee. In his earlier years, Bob was a drummer for several local area bands and a member of the Local Musician’s Union. He and Dolores enjoyed traveling-taking several trips to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba and Hawaii. In his free time, Bob enjoyed golf. Bob is survived by his daughter Nancy Alti of St. Joseph, his brother Thomas Alti of Benton Harbor; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores on August 9, 2011, his son Mark in 1978, his twin sister, shortly after birth, by four brothers-Joseph, Stanley, John & Anthony Alti, and his parents. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.