Fr. Bob Gavotto ’55 has been recognized by the Saint Augustine High School Alumni Associations Board of Directors as the 2012 Alumni Fan of the Year!
A graduate of the class of 1955 Fr. Bob has remained heavily involved in the school and Augustinian community over the past six decades. While an excellent student at Saints, Fr. Bob participated in drama, glee club, and became heavily involved in the school newspaper, The Augustinian. His appointment as newspaper president his senior year foreshadowed the dedicated leadership and service for which he would become well known.
After graduating from Saints as Valedictorian of his senior class, Fr. Gavotto enrolled at Georgetown University and after transferring to Villanova University graduated with B.A in philosophy in the spring of 1960. He went on to attend St. Monica’s International Seminary in Rome and celebrated his ordination to the order of St. Augustine on March, 14, 1964. After attaining his doctorate in cannon law from Gregorian University in 1973, Father Bob spent a four year period serving as a secretary and assistant general to the order of the Augustinians in Rome, Italy before returning to San Diego in 1977.
His work at Saint Augustine High school as Director of Recruitment from 1987-1992 saw him moderate The Saintsman, The Augustinian, and edit The Saints Scene. After serving as president of Villanova Preparatory in Ojai California for a couple years Fr. Gavotto came back to Saints in 2004 in his current role of Chaplain. The following year both Saints varsity football and basketball celebrated CIF championships. The support of these programs and players, along with his development of the school’s lunchtime ping pong tournaments, and unwavering attendance at the Alumni Parochial School Basketball tournament, have left a lasting impression on countless Saintsmen. His impact on school spirit and community can be seen from weekly Wednesday Mass to weekend athletic and alumni events and is tremendously valued. On Friday afternoons before departing for football games, Fr. Bob can be found celebrating Mass in the Saint’s chapel with the Varsity football team and coaching staff.
In recognition of his decades of loyal friendship and support shown to all facets of Saint Augustine High School we are honored to recognize Fr. Bob Gavotto ‘55 as the 2012 Saint Augustine Alumni Fan of the Year.