Robert “Bob” Dini passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, at the age of 93.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was a warm and inspiring presence who lit up every room with his engaging smile and natural charisma. A man of many talents, he left an indelible mark through his music, professional achievements, and community service.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Alice and Louis Dini, Bob was a proud Italian American and lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. His parents owned one of Boston’s most popular restaurants, Dini’s Seafood Grill, but Bob’s path led him into the arts. He earned dual degrees from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Music was his greatest passion. With a silky-smooth tenor voice reminiscent of crooners like Eddie Fisher and Tony Bennett, Bob performed widely, eventually recording a top-ten hit in 1953 with the love song “Remember Me.” His success brought him to Washington, D.C., where he became the featured vocal soloist for the prestigious U.S. Army Band, even stepping into the role once held by his sound-alike, Eddie Fisher. Bob’s career also took him to national stages, where he performed on The Tonight Show, The Perry Como Show, and opened for comedian Don Rickles.
Despite these successes, Bob ultimately chose to step away from life on the road and focus on family. He and his loved ones settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he began a new chapter in advertising, first with McCann Erickson and later through his own firm, Dini Advertising. In the 1990s, he pursued acting, appearing in more than ten films, including Down Periscope with Kelsey Grammer and the thriller Copycat. He was a proud, longtime member of SAG-AFTRA.
Bob also built a successful real estate career, working with Coldwell Banker for 35 years in San Francisco, Boston, Winchester, and later San Marino, California, where he and his beloved wife, Nancy Kocha, settled in 2004. He remained active with Coldwell Banker in San Marino until his passing.
Equally committed to his community, Bob served as a docent at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, sat on the council of the Salvation Army, and twice served on the vestry at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino, where he and Nancy worshipped together.
For many years, San Marino residents were moved by his stirring rendition of the National Anthem, performed annually at the Memorial Day gathering in Lacy Park.
Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy; his four children—Paul, Jane, Bruce, and Stephen; his stepson, Mark; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his cherished puppy, Zara.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Robert L. Dini will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino.
