Robert Joseph Malugani

Robert Joseph Malugani, 78, of Citrus Heights, California passed away on October 25, 2024. 

Bob was born December 22, 1945 in Santa Rosa, California, the oldest child of Joseph and Donna (Guglielmetti) Malugani. As a youngster, he loved sports and spending time with his grandparents. Bob was a supportive, encouraging big brother to his sister Jo Ann. Although she was his only sister, Bob teased her constantly about being his “favorite” sister.

After moving with his family to Calistoga, California in 1958, Bob studied hard in school while excelling at several sports, including football and basketball. He graduated in 1963 as salutatorian of Calistoga High School. 

Bob was the first in his family to attend college, earning a history degree from UC-Davis in 1967. Soon after graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Carol, and moved to the Sacramento area where he lived the remainder of his years. 

As a young adult, Bob’s life revolved around his daughter Melinda (Mindy) and son Michael (Mike). He coached their sports teams, swam with them in the family pool, boated with them on Folsom Lake, and took them on regular camping trips to Lake Oroville and Lake Tahoe. Bob was a loving, devoted father who encouraged his children to always do their best. 

After Bob and Carol’s divorce, Bob embraced life as an active grandpa to three granddaughters and two grandsons who adored him. Bob’s patience is legendary – he spent hours with them at the park, in the pool, playing games, watching their activities and joking with them about his (lack of) hair. He carved out time to make each grandchild feel special and loved. 

For more than 30 years, Bob taught civics and math primarily at Rio Linda Junior & Senior High Schools. He always strived to be the best teacher possible and in the mid-70’s earned a master’s degree in education during a summer program at Oregon State University. Early in his career, Bob also coached football, took on the duties of Athletic Director, and served as president of the teachers’ union of Grant Unified School District. 

During his career, Bob was respected by other teachers and beloved by students. He made many lifelong friends during his years in education, and he loved helping teenagers reach their potential and gain confidence. Bob retired from full-time teaching in 2006 but continued to substitute teach into his 70s. Besides teaching, Bob spent 20 years as a Realtor and had fond memories of his real estate clients and colleagues.

In recent years Bob loved watching sports, visiting Hawaii, and hanging out at Starbucks and his gym. With an accepting attitude and a heart of gold, Bob had many friends and a knack for brightening peoples’ days. 

Remaining to cherish Bob’s memory are his sister Jo Ann Malugani (KC Novi), daughter Melinda (Don) Lewis, son Michael (Megan) Malugani, and grandchildren Breanna and Rhys Lewis and Joseph, Isabella and Anna Malugani. 

Preceding Bob in death are his parents, Joseph and Donna Malugani.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined (this posting will be updated when that information is available). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rio Linda High School football program. 

Bob loved life and the people closest to him. He leaves an inspiring legacy of kindness, caring for others and having a positive impact in his community.