Long-time Arcadia resident, and former Arcadia Unified School District Board Member, Robert Kladifko passed away on April 8, 2021. He was 86 years old.
Bob was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 12, 1934. He attended St. Cloud State University and started his almost 50 year-long teaching career at Mazeppa High School in Mazeppa, Minnesota.
Robert’s love of education and his drive to give every student the opportunity to succeed continued as he relocated to California where he worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District as an educator, school administrator, and principal. After retiring from LAUSD, he worked as a Professor at Azusa Pacific University and Cal State Northridge University.
Robert and his wife Trudy raised their four children in Arcadia. Robert’s personal life centered around his family and friends, his love for the outdoors, church, sports, philanthropic contributions, and the myriad of animals in his backyard. A true cowboy at heart, Bob created his own “gentleman’s ranch” with horses, sheep, chickens, ducks, tortoises, goats, cats, dogs, and assorted small animals on his one-acre property.
Robert was very involved with the community and was an instructor and lector at Holy Angels parish, served as an Arcadia School Board Member, and was a reserve deputy sheriff. He was also a 4th Knight in the Knights of Columbus, an Optimist Club member, and CIF Board Member.
Robert is survived by his wife Trudy, his daughters Laura and Audrey, his sons Ken and Brian, and his seven grandchildren. A service and Celebration of Life were held last month.