newly arrived Ukrainian immigrants, Nick and Udokia Kukuruza. Young Robert came into
this world without professional assistance, and whatever essentials he may have needed
was provided by his family and neighbors.
During this time, the nation was going through a great depression and everyone had
to work to make life easier for the family. Dropping out of school at an early age, Robert
began full time work at an ice delivery company to supplement the family income. When
he was old enough to drive, he became a line driver for the Sunshine Biscuit company.
In 1940, Bob enlisted in the Massachusetts 211th Artillery and Anti Aircraft Unit of the
U.S. Army Reserve , with his friends Al Franzoza, Bill Pendergrast, Bill Tedesco and Joe
Smith. When World War II came, Uncle Sam sent the 211th "Bostonians" to guard the Mare
Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California.
Arriving in Vallejo with no quarters, the 211th pitched tents, lived in converted chicken
houses, abandoned garages and lean-to's, until they could build their own Quonset huts
near their gun emplacements. The people of Vallejo opened up their homes to their new
servicemen. The men were regularly invited to join neighbor families for large outdoor
meals and BBQ's.
Bob was assigned to the motor pool, which included the operation of a five-ton and
more capacity tow truck. Since old Highway 40, now 80, ran through Vallejo to San
Francisco, it was a main artery for troop and supply movement along with regular
commerce. Recognizing his skills, Bob's superiors promoted him in charge of the motor
pool within months of his appointment.
The only big rig in the area, was the 211th's, Bob and his crew manned it. If there was
an accident or breakdown in the city or on the freeway, the 211th responded. This was
part of their duty to keep traffic moving in the area.
When the war ended Bob and many 211th
members stayed in Vallejo to begin their families and
careers. Bob met and married Mary Houston and
began his family and towing business. He bought his
first truck through an Army surplus sales program,
and assembled his own bed, winch, and boom by
getting his materials from local salvage yards. His first
location was along old highway 40, at the Lake Side
Auto Court, near Lake Chabot. Without any building
or yard, he stored vehicles between housing units
and repaired cars under an old shade tree.
Through hard work, diligence, and honesty, Bob
used his service training experience, to found his
towing business. As business grew he rented a yard
and building in Vallejo and began hiring some of his
army buddies as mechanics and drivers. In 1948, he
contracted with his first motor club, the National Auto
Club. Bob continued to build all his own equipment
and make modifications as his business and the city
grew.
For his early security with a growing site, Bob
relied on lights and watchdogs, with sporadic security
patrols. Whenever the local pound had a good dog
that was going to be put to sleep, they called Bob to
see if he could supply a loving home for it. Bob would
then don a thick shirt with an extra thick jacket, and a
pair of welding gloves and go pick up the dog in his
car: One particular dog was a police canine school
reject, with a very bad attitude. Bob went through his
regular routine of padded protection in picking up and
getting acquainted with the animal. Bob named this
dog "Bite Leg", and they became friends forever after
a rough start.
Herald on September 16th 1954
self-designed vehicles.
By the early 1950's, Bob saw a need for intercity,
multi-unit transportation for disabled vehicles. He
now began designing and assembling a fleet of
trucks able to load and unload inoperable vehicles by
the truck's own power Bob extended his personal
ride along training to insure a professional towman,
able to operate these trucks and feel confident in his
job.
By 1970, Bob had acquired a 25-acre site for his
corporate operation, which had become one of the
largest in the United States. He never retired from
working, directing, or advising in the towing
business. He dedicated 48 years to the profession of
towing. But really, it was a dedication to people who
needed a service, and to those who wanted to work.
Robert Kukuruza was a model of how a person can be successful using hard work and
perseverance while maintaining an atmosphere of care. The industry he chose, was the
auto and truck towing, motorpooling, and road services.
At first, he constructed and designed all his own tow trucks and worked alone, 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. During this time, he always put his family values and safe care
for others first. He was loyal and dedicated to the towing profession, as exhibited by the
longevity of the family business, which he founded in 1945 and operated until his passing
in 1989.
Bob's Towing Service is still operating today at
1112 Beach Street
Vallejo, California.
