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Robert Backhoe Bob Balcerzak

April 29, 1942 - September 17, 2022
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Posted by:

Barbara Ackerman

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Posted by:

Barbara Ackerman

Report Obit

Robert Backhoe Bob Balcerzak

April 29, 1942 - September 17, 2022

The family is sad to announce that Robert (Backhoe Bob) Balcerzak died on September 17, 2022.  He was born in Marilla, New York to Walter and Evalyn Balcerzak.  Robert was proud to find out he was 99% Polish.  
Robert graduated from Iroquois Central High School in June 1961.  He was all-star in Varsity Wrestling and Varsity Football.
After marrying, Robert and his wife Gloria Bauder, with one child in tow and expecting another drove cross-country to Oakland, California.  After moving to Walnut Creek, a third daughter was born.
Robert started by working for various construction companies learning the basics of the trade.  In 1970 he started his own company, B and B Excavating.
He had a hand in building many Bay Area structures. 
In 1984, Robert started building his dream home, a log cabin surrounded by Mount Diablo State Park.  Having been raised on a farm, he wanted animals.  In almost 40 years, he had horses, cows, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, geese and emus.  He always had a Queensland heeler at his side:  Pumpkin, Harley, Buddy and Binkie.
In July 1989, Robert met Barbara (a dump truck driver) while working on Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.  They married in 2005, merging their two families.
Robert semi-retired in 2010, doing small projects for friends and neighbors.
In his spare time, he liked trail riding with his dog, go hunting with his friends and having a beer at the Clayton Club.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evalyn Balcerzak, his brother Walter and sister Janet Engel.  His is survived by his brother Raymond (Jean).
Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Valerie Dunn (Jorge Yanez), Laurie Balcerzak (Steve Eakle), Julie Balcerzak, Vincent Ackerman (Sarah) and Amanda Montelongo (Julian).
Robert had 9 grandchildren:  Matt Dunn, Nathan Yanez, Elise De Almeida, Mikayla and Michael Ligon, Sabrina and Donovan Ackerman, Rylie and Kody Montelongo and three great-grandchildren; Shelby, Lily and Maddie Dunn.
Robert will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Aniołowie czekali u jego boku, aby zabrać go do niebiańskiego ojca.

Angels were waiting by his side to take him to his heavenly father.

There will be a Celebration of Life on October 30, 2022; details unknown at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Diabetes Association.


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Condolences 1

Laurie Balcerzak Dad, you showed me how to be hardworking, tough, independent and maybe just a little too demanding. I am glad we had the last 18 months of extra time to spend together. I think of you when I listen to country song lyrics; Horses, trucks, dust, and cutting our salami with a dirty pocketknife. Well maybe the salami song hasn't been written yet. I hope your next adventure is even better than the one you experienced for the past 80 years. I will miss you. Love your daughter Laurie Balcerzak
over 1 year ago

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