Robert Phillip de Aragon

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Bio

Robert Phillip de Aragon was born on May 4, 1934, in Denver, Colorado, where he spent most of his life. Bob served two years in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Korea. While stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, he served as a military policeman and company armorer with the 24th Infantry Division, later joining the reorganized 7th Cavalry. For his exemplary service, Robert was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He continued his commitment to the military by serving an additional six years in the Army Reserves.

After his military service, Bob worked as an electrician for over 35 years. In 2014, he and his wife, Gennevieve, moved to Gilroy to be closer to family. As a proud veteran, he became an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6309 in Gilroy.

Bob is also a talented wood carver and is well known in Gilroy for crafting Harry Potter wands for local schoolchildren who finish reading the popular series—he has made nearly 300 wands to date. Bob is the proud father of two daughters, Theresa de Aragon-Thompson and Christine West, and grandfather to four grandchildren. In 2020, he was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Gilroy Memorial Day Parade.