Robert “Bob” Dominic DeMartino, 76, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Saturday January 6th, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Utica, New York on October 16th, 1947, Robert was the son of the late Dominic Francis DeMartino and Hilda Mary (Hickey) DeMartino. He attended Notre Dame High School, and after his father’s unexpected passing transferred to UFA (Utica Free Academy). He was drafted into the Air Force where he received his GED and later earned a BA in Business Administration from SUNY at Utica-Rome.
As a young boy, Robert enjoyed playing baseball with the local kids – Ozzie, Frankie, Tony and more. He continued playing little league until the age of 12 and attended NY Yankee games with his dad – a fond memory of his. One of his favorite things to do was visit his Aunt Lillian with his siblings where they would have her fried meatballs. As he grew older he would spend time at the movies with friends, weekends at Sylvan Beach (parties), and skating at the Parkway rink. He also hung around Twin Cities Collision with his brother-in-law, Utica Police Officer Richard Marchitelli, who helped him out of a few street racing “jams” on Genesee St.
For many years Robert worked for Heatilator, then Lennox, before becoming an independent representative for multiple home and hearth products. He loved being on the road, driving thousands of miles a year and meeting in person with all of his business contacts across the west coast.
Robert loved all sports, especially watching football on the weekends and taking part in fantasy football during his later years. He loved watching his grandson Alex play hockey and rarely missed a game. He also enjoyed playing golf, dancing, occasionally trying his luck at the casino, and entertaining us with his “dad” jokes.
Robert is survived by his wife Merry and their daughter Ashlee DeMartino. He is also survived by his former wife and their two devoted children Rob (and Heather) DeMartino and Nicole (and John) Owens. Robert leaves behind a legacy of love and is remembered fondly by his grandchildren Alex and Dominic DeMartino, Gianna and Gabriella Owens, and Savannah DeMartino, who all brought immense joy to his life.
In addition to his immediate family, Robert was preceded in death by his sister Jean Mastrangelo and his brothers-in-law Edward Mastrangelo, Richard Marchitelli, and Leonard Funicello. He is survived by his sisters Sylvia “Penny” Marchitelli and Alyce Funicello, as well as his nieces and nephew, the late Rhonde Mastrangelo, Lorrayne Mastrangelo, Rick Marchitelli, Dawn Toczala, Noel Day, and Holly Maline. His memory also extends to best friend Gary Silver, his wife Joanna, and their children Nicole and Shelby.