Bob wasn’t a man of flowery words or soft gestures, but he lived a life rooted in strength, humor, and steadfast commitment to the people he cared about. He wasn’t the kind of person to hand out compliments or unnecessary pleasantries, but if you needed him, he showed up—not out of grand aspirations, but because he believed it was simply what you do. His actions, rooted in quiet commitment, left an impact on everyone who knew him.

At 5-foot-4, he may not have been physically imposing, but his presence was undeniable. His youngest sister, Tina, 71, often joked about how “the girls loved Bobby’s baby blues.” His sparkling blue eyes and quick wit were just some of the ways he connected with others, leaving a lasting impression everywhere he went. During his time in the Air Force, he earned the nickname “Top Fist” for his victories in boxing matches. Quick, determined, and fearless, he was respected both in and out of the ring. That fighting spirit stayed with him throughout his life, even as heart disease challenged his body.

But even his steadfast nature was tested when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 60 in 2007. At first, he rejected the reality of his prognosis, convinced it wouldn’t make a difference. He believed his fate was already written and that, like his father, his life would be cut short. For years, he avoided confronting the diagnosis, resigning himself to the belief that nothing could change. “He thought he’d die young, just like our father,” said Tina. 

It wasn’t until his youngest daughter, Jenn, 41, told him she was pregnant with his first grandchild that everything shifted. “That news lit a fire in him,” Jenn said. “He didn’t just want to live—he wanted to live for her.”

A New Reason to Fight

When Rylee was born in 2009, everything changed for Bob. Seeing his granddaughter for the first time gave him a sense of purpose he hadn’t felt in years. Though the years of neglect had already taken a heavy toll, he started making changes to take care of himself. His determination to be there for his growing family became his motivation, even though he knew some battles couldn’t be undone. 

“You don’t realize what the heart can endure until you see someone like my dad,” his son Nick, 44, said. “He went from resigned to determined—and it was all because of his growing family.”

Even as his health declined, he refused to sit still. By the time Madison, Nick’s daughter, was born, his heart disease had progressed to a point where his heart had severely reduced ejection fraction, operating at just 10%, meaning his heart was only able to pump a small fraction of the blood it needed with each beat. Yet he still walked the steep streets of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to protest a fracking well, laid brick patios in his backyard, and welcomed neighbors and friends with a beer and a laugh. The only thing he hesitated to do was hold baby Madison. “He seemed afraid,” his son said. “I think he felt too weak, and the possibility of dropping her scared him.”

It took six months before Bob finally let himself hold Madi. It was a quiet moment of vulnerability for a man who had built his life on strength and perseverance. But his heart had endured too much, and by the time Madi was a toddler, Bob’s battle with heart disease had come to an end at 68. His story stands as both a lesson and a legacy—a reminder of how waiting too long to address health concerns can have lasting consequences, but also of the resilience and love he demonstrated in his final years.

Rylee, six at the time, tried to make sense of her Pepere’s passing in a way only a child could. Her favorite movie, Disney’s “Frozen,” inspired her simple yet profound explanation: she believed his heart had been “frozen” like Elsa’s magic. That innocence spoke to the depth of their love, a bond that even loss couldn’t erase.

A Legacy of Resilience

Bob’s story isn’t just about his diagnosis. It’s a testament to his refusal to give up. He may have lost strength in his body, but his spirit stayed strong to the very end. His children carry that resilience with them, each in their own way. “His legacy lives on through his kids—Chrissey, Nick, and Jenn—he was so proud of each of them,” Tina added.

Bob’s life reminds us that resilience isn’t about denying challenges—it’s about showing up anyway. It’s about small, steady choices that give us more time with the people we love.

  • Move More: Regular physical activity, like walking or golfing, strengthens the heart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week—just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Bob kept moving, even at 5% heart function, because stopping simply wasn’t an option.
  • Eat Smarter: Heart-healthy diets focus on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Small swaps—like using herbs instead of salt—can make a big difference over time.
  • Check In Regularly: Routine health screenings catch silent risks like high blood pressure or cholesterol before they become serious problems.

Environmental factors also play a role. Long-term exposure to toxins, secondhand smoke, or pollution can strain the heart over time. For veterans like Bob, exposure to Agent Orange created health challenges that only appeared decades later. Advocacy for cleaner environments and specialized care is critical for prevention and healing.

Bob taught his family that resilience isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. Chronic stress can strain the cardiovascular system, making emotional health just as important as physical care. Mindfulness practices, journaling, and therapy can help manage stress and create space for healing.

“My dad rarely complained,” his son said. “Even when he was scared, even when he was weak, he just kept going. He showed us what it means to live with strength and purpose.”

Community Matters

Heart health isn’t a solo journey. Families, communities, and organizations play a vital role in supporting individuals. Open conversations about family medical history, access to care, and advocacy for heart health initiatives make all the difference.

Programs from organizations like the American Heart Association provide resources, screenings, and education to ensure that no one has to face heart disease alone. His best friend, Russell, 77, shared how much his resilience and friendship meant over the years: “Even when his health was at its worst, Bobby never lost his humor or his drive,” Russell said. “We’d still call every Saturday night to talk football—he was Steelers all the way, and I’m a Patriots guy. That tradition kept us close, no matter what.” 

Reflecting from his home in Rutland, Massachusetts, on the ninth anniversary of Bob’s passing, Russell shared a bittersweet wish: “If I found a magic lamp and had one wish, I wouldn’t ask for money, cars, or houses. I’d just ask to have my best friend back, sitting on the couch with me, watching football and drinking beers.” It’s a simple wish that reflects the quiet strength of their lifelong friendship and the little moments we often take for granted—the kind of moments he fought to preserve for as long as he could. 

For Bob, it was about showing up—for his family, his friends, and his community. Whether it was cheering for the Steelers with his friends or rallying support for a petition, he consistently found ways to support the people close to him.

Your Heart, Your Legacy

His story reminds us of the power of small, intentional changes and the importance of acting before it’s too late. His love, humor, and determination to fight—even against overwhelming odds—are gifts his children and grandchildren will carry forward as a legacy of strength.

Every heartbeat is a testament to resilience, connection, and the people who make life worth living. Protecting your heart starts with small steps: a daily walk, a healthier meal, or scheduling a long-overdue checkup. These moments honor not only your life but the lives of those who love you.

Rylee put it simply when she said, “He was my best friend.” Her words capture the love and connection that defined his life and the legacy he left behind.

This Heart Month, let Bob’s story inspire you to care for your heart and your loved ones. Schedule a heart health screening, learn your family’s medical history, or make a small lifestyle change to protect your future.