Robert J. Fossatti
September 17, 1936 - January 22, 2013
Born and raised in Seattle, Robert Fossatti graduated from Cleveland High School, and in 1958 from the University of Washington with a degree in structural engineering. He served as an officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers.
This statement from Bob appeared on the Fossatti Pawlak website: "Since I was really good in math, the question became what type of engineer to be. During my freshman year, a professor told me that structural engineers work in a nice clean office, as opposed to civil and soils engineers who work in the mud and rain. Sounded good to me!"
He took a job with Olsen/Ratti in Seattle before joining with Dean Ratti in the partnership known as Ratti Fossatti, whose projects included the 1984 restoration of the Mutual Life/Yesler Building in Seattle's Pioneer Square, pictured here. In 1986, Robert established Robert J. Fossatti and Associates (later RFA Structural Engineers), working on projects in the Seattle area and abroad. In his last venture he consulted with the firm Fossatti Pawlak Structural Engineers. He retired from active engineering in 2011, following service as engineer of record on some 4,000 buildings spanning six decades, 30 states, and two US territories. The May 2011 edition of SEAW Seattle Equilbrium featured projects by the Fossatti Group, including the Harvard & Highland complex in Seattle's Harvard-Belmont Historic District. Notable Seattle projects include the renovation of Pier 70 and the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and the expansion of the University of Washington Medical Center. He also worked on buildings at Edmonds Community College and more than 50 elementary, middle and high schools in the Northwest, including Inglemoor, Mountlake Terrace and Squalicum high schools.
Bob joined SEAW in 1972. Many prominent engineers credit their work with Bob as a strong point in their careers. His colleagues savored Bob Fossatti's kindness and generosity, his gregarious personality, and his hosting of an annual Columbus Day party. An accomplished accordion musician, he played with The Physt River Troubadors and recorded three albums.
Posted January 2013