Robert Milton Lobetti

Robert M. Lobetti, 91, of Knoxville, passed away at his home November 1, 2020. Robert was born September 15, 1929, to Minnie Leah and Joseph Marion Lobetti. Robert, better known as Mose/Fafee/Big Mo, was the youngest of 10 children in a well-known Italian family. He left school at a young age, after the death of his father. He joined the Navy, serving in the military as did seven of his brothers and sisters. He returned home from service to work. He soon met someone who would change his life. He often said he was given great opportunities in life that were unexpected. He met, Georgia Lee Webster, on a blind date. They eloped 90 days later and were married for 52 years. She was his biggest fan and sidekick. Dad stood just over 6'4, dressed nice and stood out in a crowd. She was a 5’1 petite blonde. They were a unique pair. They love to dance even winning a jitterbug contest back in their prime. Dad loved to sing to her. He regularly called friends to sing Happy Birthday, Christmas songs or his favorite song, Pennies From Heaven. The song is about opportunities, new beginnings, which dad said he was given in health and throughout life. Dad may have best been known for his passion for politics. He met candidate for Mayor John Duncan Sr. who was very educated and highly respected. The unlikely pair had a lifelong friendship. Dad was involved in Duncan family campaigns throughout this life. Dad had creative campaign ideas, he was a promoter of events and a fundraiser. He was involved in many other campaigns over the years. There was rarely a council race, Mayoral, gubernatorial or state race he was not involved in some capacity. Although he had no formal education or titles he knew how to get things done. He would bridge gaps to help countless people. He had friends from all walks of life, friends who valued his counsel, discretion and loyalty. He valued opportunities he was given, along the way, so he tried to give others opportunities and help when needed. Throughout his life he never stopped encouraging people to get as much education as they could, realizing how dropping out of school had limited him. Dad was clever, colorful, controversial and candid, at times, but he really cared. Dad owned L.C. Package Store for twenty-five years, and he served as an officer of the Knox County grand jury for thirty years. In 1970’s, he established a reward program challenging local businesses to donate to a reward fund for those who provided information leading to the conviction of drug dealers in Knoxville. He was elected to the State Savings and Loan Board in 1970’s to represent the groups interests before the state legislature. At the time, Dad was a part owner in American Savings and Loan. In 1980, he set up a charter for a Knoxville Italian American Society where they were instrumental in hosting various events supporting Italian businesses and Italian culture. In 2004, he was appointed to Metropolitan Planning Commission serving for eight years. He was a long time resident of the Holston Hills and an active member at Holston Hills Country Club. He was a member of East Minister Presbyterian Church since the 1960's. Dad will soon rest on top of a hill that overlooks Knoxville with a view of the glorious Smoky Mountains, where is laying next to Georgia Lee singing her their favorite songs. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Georgia Lee. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Bacon (Robby) of Knoxville and Tina Chiozza (Lou) of Memphis; grandchildren Georgia Bacon and Reed Bacon, of Knoxville, Lee Chiozza and Liz Chiozza, of Memphis. He was so proud of his grandchildren, and they brought him great joy. Robert has several cousins, nieces and nephews that he enjoyed and loved dearly. A service for family and close friends to celebrate his life will be held outdoors at Highland Memorial Mausoleum, Sunday, November 8, 2020, at 1:00. This will be an event with space to socially distance. In lieu of flowers, a gift in his memory can be made to two charities that meant a lot to dad. He suffered from tinnitus for over fifty years. The Tinnitus Foundation @donations@ata.org. Mission of Hope @missionofhope.org for a great cause and in honor of his friend, Bill Williams, who dad had great respect. Condolences may be shared for the family at www.mynattfh.com. Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel in charge of arrangements.