Robert Gutierrez, Sr., “Po” or ”Bobby G” of Kansas City, Missouri passed away suddenly on June 24, 2025 at the age of 80. He was born on August 24, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri to Florentino Gutierrez and Margaret Acevedo Gutierrez. He was a loving husband, father, Po and friend.
 

He left behind a family that absolutely adored him, his wife, Barbara, daughters Christine Florido and Caroline Florez, son-in-law, Vincent Florido, Jr. He also left behind grandkids and great-grandkids that worshipped him more than he knew, Nicole Gutierrez, Amanda Florido, Cassandra Florido, Laura Florez & Adam Wellman, Luis Florez, Martina Florido, Ethan Ford and Kyle Claessen, and his newest adds– Trevor Svoboda and Jack Rellihan. And we know that his son, Robert Jr., was waiting at the gates of Heaven with open arms for him.
 

Born and raised on the West Side – a fact that he was very proud of and where he met friends that he carried with him through the entirety of his life. He attended Guadalupe Grade School as he lived across the street. But to hear him tell it, he walked up a hill in 2 feet of snow to get there – and back up that same hill to get home. He then attended Boys Town High School in Omaha, NE where he was a member of their choir and baseball team.
 

During his high school years, he met the love of his life – his wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann McGinley Gutierrez. They were married on April 3, 1965. Throughout their marriage, they did everything together, traveling, golfing, laughing and loving the life that they built. One of the things that drew Gram and Po together was their love of dancing – and dance they did – oldies, Mexican dancing or dancing during power outages.
 

He started his work career at Swift Meat Packing company, where he worked until he got into the hospitality business. He began his hotel career at the Hilton Plaza Inn. He then moved to the Alameda Plaza Hotel and finally landed at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. During these times, he served presidents, dignitaries, sports legends and even loaned his van out to the Jackson Five to use during their world tour. He once said that he knew he was meant to be in the hospitality industry because it was a people position. And how the people that he touched loved him.
 

As he transitioned into fatherhood, he attended school events, coached teams and became the Athletic Director at Guardian Angels School. He loved to be in charge and organized things from tournaments, dances and haunted houses – all things that he did for the kids. He always looked out for others and made it a point to make you feel welcome. It was here where he met parents that became lifelong friends.
 

He played in the Mexican American Softball League as a catcher for the Bravos. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was an avid golfer and still played in a weekly golf league. He was a proud Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and loved his Kansas City Chiefs. He was really happy about the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the championship. He loved to listen to music and dance with Mom. He loved to tell stories – fact or fiction. He enjoyed reading and loved James Patterson.
 

He had a larger than life presence and filled a room with smiles or laughter. He joked a lot and would giggle at his own jokes which made you laugh even harder. He couldn’t go anywhere without knowing someone – even on a vacation in Mexico. He never met a stranger and once you were his friend – you were a friend for life. He would talk to everyone about anything and if Po gave you a nickname, you knew you were in his circle.
 

Given everything that he has done in his life, he would tell you that his family was his greatest accomplishment. He has left a huge hole in this world, in his community and in our hearts. He will be missed beyond all belief. But, we are taking comfort knowing that he is watching over all of us.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Robert Gutierrez, Jr., and his brother Paul Gutierrez.
 

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131 on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00am – 11:15am, Eulogies will be said at 11:15 and a Catholic mass will immediately follow.