Arata, Robert R. "Bob", baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the age of 83.

Beloved husband of Susan F. (nee O'Connor) Arata, who preceded him in death April 27, 2022; loving father of John (Tracy) Arata, Bryan Arata, and Mary Robin (Robert) Lohaus; proud Pop of Kristen (Adam) Green, Ren Arata, Nathan Arata, Colin Lohaus, and Jonah Lohaus; dear brother of Alan (Peg) Arata, Joseph (Suly) Arata, Mary Lou (Paul) Mercatanti, and KC (Ray) Reinard, and Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Mary (nee Rupprecht) Arata and his brother and his wife David and Judy Arata.

Bob was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Yardley, Pennsylvania, graduating from Pennsbury High School. Bob was a proud United States Air Force Veteran, serving in Germany and the Philippines. Bob is a graduate of Parks College with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering.  He was an aircraft mechanic for over 50 years, earning the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the FAA in 2016, finally retiring from Duncan Aviation, at Spirit of St. Louis Airport.

Bob was an incredibly active member of his community, including being a longtime parishioner of Holy Infant Catholic Church, a Cub and Scoutmaster for Cub Pack and Scout Troop 357 at Woerther Elementary for many years, guiding his two sons and countless other young men to earn their Eagle Scout rank.

Bob's favorite hobby was fabricating and flying control line model airplanes, a hobby that spanned many decades of flying at Buder Park in Valley Park, MO, participating in and running contests and traveling to Oshkosh, WI to volunteer year after year for the EAA Kidventure event.

Bob remained a loving and dedicated caregiver to his wife, Susan, until her death and a great friend and devoted family man to all who knew and loved him.

Services:  Funeral Mass at Holy Infant Catholic Church in Ballwin, MO, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. May 5th, 2026. Private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , a favorite charity of Bob and Susan's. Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.