Robert (Bob) F. DelMonache, 91, of Brandon, FL, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Bob was born in Rochester, NY on March 6, 1933, to an Italian immigrant father and first-born Italian-American mother. He was the proud older brother of his beloved brother and sister, Dick and Jeri. He and his siblings grew up in a predominantly Italian neighborhood, with dozens of aunts and uncles and many first cousins nearby. Family came first then and remained so ever since.
Bob graduated from Rochester’s Edison Technical and Industrial High School in 1951. He always told others that he went on to graduate from both the School of Hard Knocks and Whatssa Matta U. But he was truly a lifetime learner and deep thinker. He completed courses over the years at various local colleges that were pertinent to his career and interests.
In 1953, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as a Seabee, the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion, until 1960. During his service he traveled to Cuba and Morocco, sparking his love of travel and aeronautics. By 1957, Bob obtained his pilot’s license and later was the happy owner of eight of his own aircraft over the years.
Thereafter, during his career in Rochester as a General Contractor, home builder and Real Estate Broker, he designed and built multiple subdivisions, over 500 homes, multiple office buildings, apartments and developed mobile home communities. His combined business acumen and easy manner won him the best of business associates and friends, most of whom remained so for his lifetime.
In 1960, Bob married Jennie (D’Ovidio) Verzillo, mother of Tommy, age 15 and Susan, age 12. In 1964, Bob and Jennie had Gina and then Jennie sadly passed away 8 months later. Bob married Brenda (Polson) in 1968 and had two more children, his sons Robbi and Blaise. The family continued to live in Rochester, traveling several times a year together with a camper and then motorhome, making lifelong memories in parks throughout New York State and along the east coast. It was Bob’s truest joy to be with his family and friends and he prioritized it so.
In 1978, Bob and his family moved to Riverview, FL. Bob and Brenda owned and operated Pleasant Living Mobile Home Park for two years and then continued working together in real estate brokering and sales, offices that Bob developed and ownership and management of another mobile home park until his retirement in 1983.
Bob was an accomplished woodworker, carver and furniture builder. He had a “shop” in every home he lived in, whether it was the garage, basement or the barn he built behind his home in Brandon. He was an avid music lover, particularly guitar, which he dabbled in playing himself and then researched and bought specialty equipment to build his own guitar in 2015. Included in his greatest passions were enjoying good food (eating and cooking it!), wine, and a cigar with family and friends, all the while telling jokes, laughing and reminiscing about good times had. He was quite well known among those who loved him for his high level of skill in what he always referred to as “ball busting.” He endeared himself to everyone who knew him through his pranks, games, tricks and jokes. If you were lucky enough to know Bob, you loved him and you knew he loved you.
His physical presence will be forever missed by his loved ones but his fierce love for us will be everlasting and something for which we are eternally grateful.
A graveside service for Bob will be held at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park in Riverview, FL, on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10 AM.
Previous Events
Graveside
5
Apr
6919 Providence Road
Riverview, FL 33578
