10/05/2026
Coach Hitchcock's obituary as provided by his son Rob.
Robert William Hitchcock, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, in Auburn, California.
Born on May 6, 1929, in San Bernardino, California, to Robert and Helen Hitchcock, "Bob" was raised as a true cattleman, on a horse before he could even walk. His family ran cattle from Victorville and Lucerne Valley to Holcomb Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains. To his dying day, Bob remained a cowboy and a gentleman.
After graduating from Victorville High School, Bob attended Valley Junior College and transferred to San Jose State to play football under head coach Bob Bronzan. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Japan during the Korean War. As a Sergeant in the armory division, he also played football on the inter-squad travel team. Throughout his deployment, he kept a steady correspondence with a young lady back home, Joanne Palmer. Upon his return, the two reunited, married, and shared over 73 beautiful years together.
Following his military service, Bob earned his secondary teaching credential at the University of Redlands while coaching. In 1957, Bob and Joanne moved to Temple City, California, where he launched a legendary high school teaching and coaching career, building a highly successful football program. Both Bob and Joanne dedicated their careers to the Temple City Unified School District until retiring in 1989.
In retirement, they moved to Meadow Vista, California, and spent their summers in West Yellowstone, Montana. There, Bob happily pursued his favorite hobbies: fly fishing, hiking, and socializing with many close friends.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; their two sons and their spouses, Rob and Danise, and Scott and Becky; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
