In Memory

Francis Robert Fosselman - Class Of 1946

Francis Robert Fosselman

Ice Cream Mogul Fosselman Dies

Francis Robert Fosselman, who for 50 years co-managed one of Southern California's most famous family-owned ice cream companies, has died.  Fosselman, a co-owner of Fosselman's Ice Cream in Alhambra, died Monday, January 13, 2003, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena after a lengthy battle with cancer.  He was 74.

"He had actually been working last Thursday down at the shop," said Chris Fosselman, one of his three sons.  "My sister, Julie, gave birth to a son, Henry, four months ago.  My wife just gave birth to our daughter, Grace, one week ago Monday.  We told dad he had to hang around and see his grandchildren born.  And he did."

Francis Robert Fosselman helped co-manage the family's three original ice cream stores in Glendale, Highland Park, and South Pasadena, along with his brothers, William and James.  Their father, Christian Anthony Fosselman, moved his family to California from Waverly, Iowa, and founded the business in 1919.  Fosselman's Ice Cream now has one location at 1824 West Main Street, Alhambra.  It serves as the company's plant and retail store.

"Bob was pretty low-key, very dedicated," William Fosselman said.  "He was very artistic and creative.  For a long time, he did some cake decorating."

Francis Robert Fosselman served as the president of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses, and also volunteered at Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as the Parent Guild President.  "He got to walk up with my mom, my brother, Mike, and his kids and see this year's Rose Parade on New Year's Day and visit me on the parade route," said John Fosselman, another son who is also a volunteer member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.  "Dad even celebrated my birthday last Thursday with all of us."

Francis Robert Fosselman was born on August 7, 1928.  He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Claudia, of South Pasadena; sons, Chris, Mike, and John; one daughter, Julie; two brothers, William of South Pasadena and Reverend John Fosselman of Culver City; sisters Mary Jordan of Orinda, and Carol Ghelio of La Puente; and six grandchildren.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune,  January 17, 2003