Founder of Faith in Action, Robert Fuentes, dies at 66

Robert T. Fuentes, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Faith in Action, has died. Fuentes was a dedicated community advocate who served the vulnerable populations of Solano County through various roles, including leadership in faith-based and secular organizations.

Fuentes was born in Earlimart and grew up in a farm-working family in California’s Central Valley. He graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1985 with a degree in International Relations. Before founding Faith in Action in 1998, he worked as Executive Director for the Pacific Center in Berkeley, a historic LGBTQ center, and later served as a Group Home Counselor for emotionally disabled children at Seneca Center.

Faith in Action, a volunteer-based nonprofit, focused on serving the homebound elderly in Solano County through services that promoted independence, community connection, and a positive outlook on life. The organization also partnered with the Solano Pride Center since its founding in 1998. Fuentes’ work extended beyond advocacy, as he was involved in various aspects of community life, including the Solano Coalition for Better Health and the Senior Coalition of Solano County.

Locally, Fuentes was the founding pastor of Holy Family Old Catholic Church in Fairfield. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Providence Theological School in 2020 for his contributions to the formation of The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States. His ministry reflected a commitment to serving the marginalized, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility.

Fuentes’ legacy is marked by his deep involvement in both faith and community service. His spouse, Louis Souza-Fuentes, described him as a man who touched many lives through his work in the agency, faith community, and personal relationships. He performed marriages, baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations, and presided at funeral services for many. His impact was felt across multiple spheres of life, reflecting the interconnectedness of faith and service.

Fuentes was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Canales and Irene Tarango, and his grandmother, “Fita.” He is survived by his husband, Louis Souza-Fuentes; his mother-in-law, Frances; siblings, aunts, uncles, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where Holy Family Old Catholic Church was co-located, at 11 a.m. on the campus of the church at 1600 Union Ave.

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