Robert Tarango Fuentes

Robert T. Fuentes of Fairfield, California passed away on Tuesday, June 16th at the age of 66. He was born on February 9th, 1960 in Earlimart, California. He grew up as a member of a farm working family, laboring in fields throughout California’s Central Valley.

Robert graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1985 with a degree in International Relations and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Providence Theological School in 2020 for his work in the formation of a National Church: The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States. At that time he had been the Bishop Moderator of the National Church for over ten years. In addition, Bishop Robert presided over several faith communities and ministries throughout Northern California, and a chaplaincy based in Anchorage, Alaska. Locally, he was the founding Pastor of Holy Family Old Catholic Church in Fairfield.

Robert was also the Executive Director of Faith in Action, a non-profit agency which he founded in 1998. The agency is volunteer based with a mission to serve the homebound elderly of Solano County though a continuum of services to foster independence, connection to the community, and a positive outlook on life. Many seniors were touched by the work overseen by Robert, and his colleagues have said that he was a great advocate for senior issues in Solano County throughout the years. Due to his success with Faith in Action locally, Robert was appointed as a mentor to other Faith in Action projects in California.

In addition to leading his agency, Robert was actively involved in the broader community as a member of the Solano Coalition for Better Heath, the Non-Profit Coalition of Solano County, the Senior Coalition of Solano County, and a local faith based consortium addressing homelessness.

Robert’s passions included preaching, singing, gardening, and bringing laughter into people’s lives. His greatest passion was cooking, experimenting with different cuisines from around the world. Robert got his start with cooking having learned from various chefs during his career as a maître d' in Stockton, California.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Tony Canales and his mother Irene Tarango, both of Earlimart, California. Robert was also preceded in death by his beloved grandmother “Fita.”

Robert is survived by his husband Louis Souza-Fuentes of 37+ years. They considered each other their best friend and soul mate. Robert is also survived by his mother-in-law Frances, siblings on both sides of the family, aunts and uncles, in addition to many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on the campus of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where Holy Family Old Catholic Church was co-located over the years, at 1600 Union Ave. in Fairfield on Saturday, July 25th at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Robert’s honor to the Manna Program, St. Mark’s grocery giveaway program in which members of Holy Family participated. Checks should be made out to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with the Manna Program written in the memo line. Robert felt deeply that no one should go hungry in our community.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

1600 Union Ave.

Fairfield, CA. 94533

Following the service, Louis and his immediate family will be spending some private time together.