CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Robert Florindo Mingori (Bob) passed away May 13, 2025, peacefully at his home in Clearlake with his wife Joan and son Tommy by his side. 

Born Aug. 26, 1943, in Los Angeles, Bob had a life full of purpose.

Bob graduated from San Jose State College with a degree in electrical engineering. 

He decided to enlist into the newly formed Peace Corps instead of finishing his desire to become an architect. 

Bob taught school in Brazil for nearly two years and then became a recruiter for the Peace Corps, traveling throughout the United States. 

After leaving the Peace Corps he and his first wife Jane and another Peace Corps volunteer purchased the Grapewine Newspaper in Rancho Cordova. 

Bob loved the paper business, but sadly due to a divorce he was forced to sell the paper after a few years. 

During the time running the paper, he met a developer, Forest Taylor, who offered Bob an opportunity to learn a new line of work, construction. His new career gave him the opportunity to hone in on his desire to become an architect. 

Bob met Joan Shelley on his construction site while she was selling plumbing and hardware products. They were happily married 49 years. 

Forest Taylor in 1979 purchased a large oceanfront parcel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. So off to Florida went Bob, Joan, two dogs and two cats to build and manage an 18-story highrise condominium project. 

Bob worked on three projects in Florida then disaster struck: 23% +/- interest and everything came to a halt.

While in Florida, Joan’s father decided to sell his business property in Clear Lake Highlands.  Joan convinced Bob that purchasing this property would give them a place to come to when the jobs in Florida ended.

In 1983 Bob and Joan moved back to California to the newly formed city of Clearlake. 

With little to no work in Lake County, Bob traveled and worked construction jobs in Sacramento, Pacific Grove and Dublin for several years while Joan sold real estate for May Noble in Lake County.

In 1986, Bob purchased equipment from Paul Tapia and started Shelley Graphics. During this time Bob did pre-press work on real estate and chamber magazines then published the Lake County Visitor until it was sold in 2002.

That’s when Bob started drafting home plans, which he did until early 2025. During this time both Bob became actively involved in the city of Clearlake through Lakeshore design communities and cleanup projects. He started a push broom parade, planted flowers in planters and much more.

He was a director for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and sat on the Redbud Hospital Board. 

In 1992, the city was so shorthanded and the police department could not keep up with the crime. Bob, Joan and a small group of business and landowners got together and formed the Community to Restore Clearlake — the CRC. 

Bob wrote the nonprofit paperwork and drafted the proposed Measure P. Then State Assemblyman Mike Thompson helped get the measure on the ballot. The citizens of Clearlake voted for a ½ cent sales tax and a maintenance of effect clause. 

After a successful campaign, Bob was asked if he would run for City Council. He had to resign his position on the Redbud Hospital Board, which he hated to leave but he felt he could do more on the council. 

Bob wrote two important grants — one for the youth center and the other for the community center. He was mayor for a term as well. 

One thing to share, Bob always wanted those around him to know the importance of giving back to your community and leaving the place you live better than you found it.

Bob dedicated his life to his family, community, his business and those we took into our home over the years. He always wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Joan; son, Tommy; brother, Tino Mingori and wife Lynn; brother-in-law, Paul Shelley, and wife, Leticia; nieces and nephews, Christian, Ben, Arron, Ciara Daniel;, and Esabelle; plus many more relatives on the East Coast. 

Covid and years of smoking destroyed Bob’s lungs which led to his death. Bob’s last days were difficult, and his family thanked Hospice Services of Lake County and Pastor Chris of the Nazarene Church for his visits. The family’s prayers were answered when Bob asked God to take him home and to know Jesus.