Robert A. Mugford, Sr's Obituary
ROBERT A. (SKIP) MUGFORD, SR.August 29, 1939 – May 31, 2018Robert A. (Skip) Mugford, Sr., RPT, passed away due to the ravages of ALS (amotrophic lateral sclerosis) with his loving wife and children by his side. He was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Leander and Emmie Mugford, the youngest of seven children. He was predeceased in death by sisters Gertrude and Nellie, brother Murray, step-daughter Valerie Rush, and newborn grandchild Anna Rush. He is survived by sister Marion Bishop, brothers George and Frank Mugford, and a veritable multitude of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces. He is also survived by his loving wife Jean and children Leigh Ann Alameda (Kurt), Robert A. Mugford, Jr. (Melissa), Kristin M. Mugford, and step-son Brian Wagner (Michelle); grandchildren Kaleigh Alameda, Robert Rodney Mugford, Curtis and Stefan Wagner, and Ryan and Colin Rush. He is also survived by his first wife and mother of his children Carol (Erwin-Mugford) Viegelmann.While in high school, Skip was a member of varsity football and baseball teams and the band, and was elected Most Talented Senior. He was selected to the Middlesex County All-Star football team and played in the inaugural Harry Agganis Memorial All-Star football games. He received a football scholarship to Purdue University, graduating in 1966. He then attended Stanford University on scholarship, receiving a Certificate in Physical Therapy in 1967.Skip served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963. Starting in the Infantry, he served briefly as a Drill Instructor, transitioned to the Military Police and ended up as an Investigator with the 86th Criminal Investigation Division at Ft. Benning Georgia.After graduating from Stanford, instead of returning to Purdue as a member of their Athletic Training Staff, he followed his true passion working in hospital rehabilitation. He was self-employed for 40 years as a contract physical therapist specializing in geriatric orthopedics.Skip loved all sports, especially golf (he particularly enjoyed his local golfing brethren) and senior softball, playing shortstop for the Bandits out of Walnut Creek. He played in the Newark 50+ Senior Softball League for 15 years and was twice selected Most Inspirational Player in the League. He dearly loved flying and piloting his Cessna T210. He achieved the following ratings: Single and multiengine land and instrument land. He also completed a 10 hour stunt flying course.Skip served as President of Newark National Little League and was a NNLL umpire for eight years. He served as President of his Homeowners Association several times. He also served as Little Sir and Big Sir twice for SIR Branch 59 Newark/Fremont/Union City, California.Skip was on the Inaugural Committee that began the Newark Memorial High School Athletic Boosters Crab Feed. He also funded scholarships in his father’s name to several NMHS graduating seniors.His life will be celebrated at Bay Area Baptist Church, 2929 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, CA, on June 7, 2018, at 11:00 am, reception to follow. The graveside service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA at 2pmIn lieu of flowers, his family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, PO Box 565, Agoura Hills, CA 91376.
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