Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Dolfi Obituary
January 25, 2011
Robert Henry Dolfi
Noted restaurateur, publisher and Mario Lanza aficionado, Robert "Bob" Dolfi passed away on January 25th, 2011 as a result of heart failure at Torrance Memorial Hospital, CA.
Bob was a close friend of the late tenor's parents, and of Lanza's sons Marc (died 1991) and Damon (died 2008). With Damon Lanza he founded The Lanza Legend, a newsletter and website devoted to keeping the name and voice of Mario Lanza alive. The website, lanzalegend.com, attracts readers and forum participants world-wide. Following the death of Damon Lanza, Bob continued the project in association with his wife Marlene and another Lanza authority, New Zealand broadcaster Lindsay Perigo. Bob was the principal author of Be My Love - A Celebration of Mario Lanza (1999; 2008) which included Damon Lanza; Perigo; singers Al Martino, Kathryn Grayson, Licia Albanese, Jose Carreras; and Lanza biographers.
Born in Boston, Mass., his family relocated to LA where Bob served in the 101st Airborne. While working in his father's art studio doing reproductions, the budding tenor performed at Pucci's restaurant in 1963 where he met Lanza's parents and children. Lifelong friends, Bob and Damon owned several restaurants while promoting Lanza. His culinary expertise was legendary, as were his hospitality, generosity, robust conversation and risque humor. He left behind many good friends. We will surely miss him. His coined phrase: "Mario Lanza Brings Good People Together."
Bob is survived by his wife Marlene, sister Suzanne Ingram, many loving nieces, nephews, and sisters/brothers-in-law. Bob's wish: "No flowers, play Mario Lanza's I'll Walk With God, and then have a stiff drink on me. No tears, just smiles." Contributions to The Heart Foundation or American Diabetes Association kindly accepted.
Funeral visitation: Jan. 30th, 2-4 & 6-8, Gamby Funeral Home, 25001 Narbonne Ave., Lomita; Mass 10am, Monday Jan. 31st, St. Margaret Mary Church, 25511 Eshelman Ave., Lomita.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dolfi
Sponsored by Marlene Dolfi and The Lanza Legend.
Linda Drake
January 25, 2025
Bob - you are still missed and thought of fondly. Although it's been 14 years since your passing, memories of all the good times remain in our hearts. Your humor was swift and it was always so much fun to be around you at the Lanza balls in Philly. See you in heaven when it's my time. Linda
Marlene
January 24, 2025
My Bob... I will Always keep talking about you. You deserve to be Remembered. Miss you, my love. Your Marlene...
Debbie Curry
January 22, 2025
Miss you and Damon, Bob. Think of you both always.
Debbie Curry
January 25, 2024
Miss you, Bob. Always in my thoughts and prayers, as is Damon.
Linda Drake
January 25, 2024
Heaven is a blessing and you must be looking down and just waiting for all of us to join you. You're still missed down here by so many friends. As they say, we should Look Up!
Marlene
January 24, 2024
OMG... I meant tomorrow, the 25th, is the anniversary of your death. Seems I'm still not over you leaving so suddenly, my love...
Marlene
January 24, 2024
Thanks for visiting me in my dreams. Happy Birthday tomorrow, my love.
Miss you... xo
Debbie Curry
January 27, 2023
Hard to believe it's been 12 years since you've been gone. We miss you and Damon so much. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Drake
January 26, 2023
1/25/23 - 12 years. I can still see your kind face and will always remember your humor. I also remember your devotion to Mario and our beloved Damon and your perseverance to protect the Lanza family. They found a true friend in you as did we. Always, Linda
Marlene
January 25, 2023
Twelve years since you left! Miss you every day. My love for you knows no boundaries and no time. I carry your heart in my heart, my love.
Marlene Dolfi
December 12, 2022
Happy 70th Damon in Heaven, my dear, dear friend. Hope y'all have a big party up there and know that you're loved.
Marlene Dolfi
October 7, 2022
Remembering Mario Lanza today.. his beautiful voice and the joy he brought his fans worldwide. May Mario sing "This Land" for you today, my Bob.
Marlene Dolfi
October 3, 2022
Happy Birthday, my love. Miss you every day. xo
Marlene
March 17, 2022
My love for you knows no boundaries and no time. I carry your heart in my heart, my love. Wish Patty HB for me.
Debbie Curry
January 26, 2022
We miss you Bob, and also Damon, Marc, Suzanne and Patty. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marlene
January 25, 2022
I miss you every day, my Bob. Love you now and forever. I carry your heart; I carry it in my heart. See you some day...
Linda Drake
January 25, 2022
Still thinking of you on the anniversary of your passing 11 years ago. No matter how much time goes by, you're missed and forever loved by the lives you touched with your kindness and humor. Always, Linda
Linda Drake
October 3, 2021
Thinking of our beloved Bob on his birthday. Wish he had many more, but the good Lord wanted him to be with our Damon in Heaven. Still - always in our hearts.
Love
Linda
Marlene Dolfi
October 2, 2021
Oct.3rd...Happy Birthday my love. Miss you every day. I carry your heart; I carry it in my heart. Love you much, your Marlene
Debbie Curry
January 26, 2021
Hard to believe it's been 10 years. We miss you, Bob.
Linda M. Drake
January 25, 2021
Bob - you were one of a kind. You were taken from us too soon and unexpectedly. You will always be in our hearts and memory no matter how many years go by.
Always,
Linda Drake
Marlene Dolfi
January 24, 2021
My dearest Bob, ten years have passed and my heart still aches for you, my love. I miss you every day. I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart. Love, Forever & Always, Your Marlene xo
Linda Drake
January 25, 2020
Once again I must edit my post - it's been 9 years, not 8 - never the less, as time will sometimes escape me, your memory is always with me. Always, Linda
Linda Drake
January 25, 2020
On this day of the 8th year of your joining our Lord in Heaven, you are still remembered and cherished in my heart. I still think of our time together in England and Philly like it was just a moment ago. You made me laugh most of the time, yet we had some loving conversations about our beloved Mario. Hug Damon for me and we'll never forget you. I promise.
Marlene Dolfi
January 23, 2020
You've been gone 9 years this January 25th, and I still miss you every day my Bob. Love you. Miss you. I carry your heart; I carry your heart in my heart. Love, Always and Forever, Your Marlene.
Dolfi
December 13, 2019
Dear Bob, sweet Damon's birthday was on December 12th and I hope you two celebrated in Heaven. I miss my dear, kind friend; his great stories and his laugh. Have fun, you two, and know you are missed and loved. xxMarlene
Marlene Dolfi
October 7, 2019
Dear Bob, 60 years have passed since the great tenor Mario Lanza passed away. His fans faithfully continue to keep his voice and memory alive. I hope today's generation appreciates his talent. His songs bring me happiness and remind me of the good times you, Damon and I had. God bless you all. Love, Your Marlene
October 3, 2019
I know Bob would forgive my typo! But somehow I think he'd know what I wanted to say. Yes Bob - always in "our" hearts.
Never forgotten.
Linda
Marlene Dolfi
October 3, 2019
Happy Birthday Bob, my dear husband. Miss you every day. Visited Elvis' Graceland home and you were right. In his yellow walled TV room, to the left of the 3 TV sets, was a record player and some LPs beside it. The LP cover visible was Mario Lanza's I'll Walk with God. What a testament to Mario, to have that LP cover visible to the many fans who visit Graceland. Elvis' love for Mario is there for everyone to see. Wished you and Damon could have been with me to witness that. Celebrate your day with your best buddy Damon and know that I am thinking of you. Love you forever, your Marlene
October 3, 2019
Bob,
Remembering you on your birthday today. You will forever be in out hearts.
Always,
Linda
Debbie Curry
August 17, 2019
Bob and Damon,
Miss you both so much! Not a day goes by I don't think of you both. RIP, my friends.
August 17, 2019
Bob and Damon - always in my heart. Still cherish your friendship and the memories. Damon - keep watch over us from heaven, your eternal home.
Always,
Linda
Marlene Dolfi
August 16, 2019
Dearest, please give Damon a hug for me as we all remember his passing 11 years ago. Eldest son of the fabulous Mario Lanza, he promoted and kept his father's beautiful voice and memory alive with you. Damon, I miss you my dear, sweet friend. Forever in my heart, may God bless you. With love and affection, Marlene
TERRY VELDA
January 26, 2019
THINK OF YOU A LOT, I HOPE YOU ARE WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND MY DEAR HUSBAND PAUL VELDA.
WE HAD AMAZING TIMES TOGETHER WITH ALL OUR MARIO LANZA FRIENDS, BOTH IN THE STATES, ALSO ENGLAND + PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.
IT BECAME PART OF OUR LIFE AND HAS KEPT US TOGETHER EVEN THOW WE ARE MILES APART.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN.
TERRY VELDA XXXX
January 25, 2019
January 25, 2019.
Think of you often and will always have wonderful memories of our time together. Both you and Damon took me into your circle of trusted friends and I will always be grateful. Although you've been with the Lord for eight years, time will never erase the gift that you gave us.
Always,
Linda Drake/Illinois
Holly Holyoake
January 20, 2019
Bob & Damon thank you for everything that you did for me, I will be forever grateful for the life experience's and memories.
I will always remember the wonderful times we shared remembering the great Mario Lanza and singing alongside Mario on CD and how that brought us together.
I am still singing and with many fond memories of us all and Mario.
I will never forget.
My love to the beautiful Marlene
All my love Holly xx
January 14, 2019
My Bob, the 8th anniversary of your passing is fast approaching on the 25th but it feels like it happened yesterday. My sweet, with each passing year the pain does not diminish and I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never, ever get over this loss. I carry your heart...I carry it in my heart, now and forever.
Love, Your Marlene
Dolfi
October 31, 2018
My love for you knows no boundaries and no time.
Your Marlene xo
August 15, 2018
Dearest Bob, tomorrow (August 16) is the 10th anniversary of the passing of our dear, dear friend Damon, son of the magnificent Mario Lanza. Damon was a tireless ambassador for his dad, promoting him throughout the world to keep his voice and memory alive. The two of you, best friends, are together now. Take care of each other (and Marc) and know that you are both loved and missed every day. Damon, gentle giant, sweet soul, you are missed by so many all over the world. When people met you, they always remarked to me how friendly and kind you were, and they imagined how much you and Mario were alike in that way. God bless you, my friend. Love you. Marlene
Dolfi
February 14, 2018
Happy Valentine's Day my love.
Your Marlene
Linda Drake
January 26, 2018
Although 7 years have passed, I remember our Bob with loving and cherished memories. I miss him to this day and think of him often. Keep protecting us from above, my friend. You are deeply missed.
Always, Linda
Marcel
January 25, 2018
Dear Marlene,
Seven years have faded away since Bob left us
Michele, Alain and I often think of him and you and of what he has been for so many people, as an artist and poet, tirelessly devoted to someone else's memory. It was a magnificent example of a total unselfishness. But by forgetting himself he realised his own goal, which was giving love to others and this is quite a great accomplishment, a life accomplishment. And for this, we are so grateful to him and to you, who worked so much for that wonderful idea.
Michele and I retired on december 31, 2017 and we hope to use this new liberty to travel to see you and our friends of the happy days.
Don't forget us, we love you.
Marcel, Michele and Alain
Paris - Opera Club Mario Lanza
You may publish this tribute to Bob if you wish so.
Dolfi
January 25, 2018
Seven years have passed, my Bob. I miss you more as each year passes but the memories I have of you keep me going. Rest in peace, my love, and know that others appreciate and miss you too. I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart. Love Your Marlene
Marlene Dolfi
December 12, 2017
Dear Bob, please give sweet Damon a birthday hug for me today, December 12th. Glad you have each other's company in Heaven. Miss "my boys" very much. xxoo
JIM AND CINDY OWENS
October 6, 2017
THINKING OF YOU BOB..YOU AND DAMON WERE GOOD FRIENDS TO CINDY AND I.RIP
Debbie Curry
October 5, 2017
Thinking of you and Damon, Bob, today and every day! Miss you both!
Marlene Dolfi
October 4, 2017
I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.
Happy Birthday, my love.
Yours always, Marlene
Linda Drake
October 3, 2017
Dearest Bob - remembering you on your birthday today. I know you're still watching over your old friends and we're still missing your humor and friendship. Happy Birthday in Heaven.
Always, Linda
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
August 18, 2017
OUR FRIEND BOB,MISS YOU AND DAMON.
Linda Drake
August 18, 2017
Thinking about you and Damon this week - how close you were. Now you're together in a wonderful home with our Lord. Always in our hearts.
Linda
Your Marlene
August 17, 2017
My Bob,
Please give Damon a hug for me, and tell him I miss him very much. You both are in my thoughts and prayers, always. Love you.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
January 27, 2017
BOB,MISS YOU AND DAMON.YOU BOOTH WERE A TRUE FRIEND TO US.RIP
January 26, 2017
My Bob...It gets harder, not easier, being without you. I miss you so much. I carry your heart with me...I carry it in my heart. Love you. Your Marlene...
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
October 6, 2016
BOB,OUR DEAR FRIEND.WE MISS YOU.THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS OUR FRIEND.RIP
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
October 5, 2016
BOB DOLFI,OUR DEAR FRIEND.WE MISS YOU.WE WILL NEVER FOR GET YOUR KINDNESS TO US.YOU WERE ONE OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE WE HAVE EVER MEANT.RIP
October 3, 2016
Had a dream last night and you and Damon were in it. Damon put on his swim shorts and told me he was going to catch the last good sun rays of the season. He didn't actually speak but I knew what he was saying. Of course he was smiling that big, beautiful smile of his. And you, of course you decided to join him, you told me almost apologetically. I knew you were 'gone' but I pretended it was all real and I woke up feeling good. Miss you, my Bob. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Happy Birthday in Heaven my love. Celebrate with your good bud Damon. I'll toast you from here. I carry your heart in my heart.
Love, forever always, Your Marlene
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
January 26, 2016
BOB,OUR FRIEND,MISS YOU EVERY DAY.HOW I MISS TALKING TO YOU AND ALL SO YOUR E MAILS.WE WILL REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS ,OUR FRIEND.
Linda Drake
January 26, 2016
How could it be 5 years ago that you left us for a better place? It seems like only yesterday you would send me one of your emails - which I still have, by the way. Still miss you and think about you, dear Bob.
May you be in peace and with all the ones you loved that left before you.
Love always, Linda.
Marlene
January 25, 2016
Miss you, my Bob.
Ed McManus
December 22, 2015
Wanted to say Merry Christmas to you, also to say I never forgot your kindness to my wife and I.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
December 22, 2015
BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.GONE,BUT NOT FOR GOTTEN,YOU TRULY WERE OUR FRIEND.RIP PEACE OUR FRIEND.
Clay Enos
December 21, 2015
Bob, you were a great friend to so many thousands of Lanza fans, even though most never met you in person.
I certainly remember the great phone conversations we had when producing the photo CDs, and that year preceding Damon's death. I would have loved to work with you on the video project we discussed.
Both you and Damon did so much in bringing new photos, recordings, and info to the attention of us all.
Thanks for all your hard work, my friend, and best wishes to Marlene as well.
GARY AND CINY OWENS
October 4, 2015
BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU IN OUR HEART.
October 3, 2015
Remembering you today, My Bob, and every day. Miss you. I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. Forever always, Your Marlene
Ed McManus
August 21, 2015
Bob, your kindness and friendship will always be remembered.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
August 20, 2015
BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.I HAVE YOU AND DAMON'S PICTURE ABOVE MY COMPUTER.I MISS TALKING TO YOU ON THE PHONE AND YOUR E MAILS.RIP,MY FRIEND.CINDY AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND DAMON.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
January 26, 2015
BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.RIP OUR FRIEND.
January 25, 2015
Miss you my Bob. Four years feels like yesterday. Thanks for visiting me in my dreams. Love you, forever always,
your Marlene.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
October 4, 2014
BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY.YOU TRULY WERE A GOOD FRIEND.WE MISS YOU, ARE FRIEND.RIP
October 3, 2014
Remembering you today, My Bob, on your birthday. Miss you very much. I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. With much love,
Forever always, Your Marlene
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
March 18, 2014
OUR DEAR FRIEND BOB,WE MISS YOU AND YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND ALSO YOU WOULD SAY "KEEP THE FAITH", WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN OUT HEART.RIP,OUR GOOD FRIEND.
Mary Anne Golden
March 17, 2014
God Bless Robert, now singing with Mario in Heaven!
March 17, 2014
Happy Anniversary dearest Bob. Much love to you. Thanks for watching over me. I miss you every day.
I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart....Forever always, Marlene
Penny McAllister
March 15, 2014
Thinking of you today. Miss your friendship.
February 14, 2014
Remembering you with much love today, on Valentine's Day sweetheart. I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places. I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart.
Forever always, your Marlene
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
January 25, 2014
OUR FRIEND BOB,REMEMBERING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.WE SURLY MISS YOU AND DAMON.REST IN PEACE OUR FRIEND,WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND DAMON.
Patty Patrick
January 25, 2014
Dear Bob,
You are greatly missed and still remembered in Austria. Love - Patty Patrick, RSF1 - Radio St. Florian am Inn, Austria
Linda Drake
January 25, 2014
Dearest Bob,
On this day, the 3rd year that marks your passing, you are still remembered and missed. Keep us under your wing until we meet again.
Love,
Linda
January 25, 2014
Miss you Bob.
Say hello to Paul, Damon and too all our dear Mario friends there with you.
We miss you all.
Lots of Love
Terry Velda xxx
January 25, 2014
Miss you Bob
January 24, 2014
Dearest Bob, my Bob...
Three years have passed (25th) and I am still in a fog without you. It gets harder with each passing year, sweetheart. I miss holding your hand, your hugs and kisses, and your laugh. Love and miss you. I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart.
Forever always, yours....Marlene
Linda Drake
October 10, 2013
Dearest Bob - So many memories. Mario's angel plaque that you sent me and a book that bears a message and your signature. These are precious to me, along with all of the special projects that you touched. These things along with the many memories you created are still with me. Keep watching over us, as we miss you so.
Love, Linda
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
October 9, 2013
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BOB.WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A LIVE IN OUR MEMORY AND HEART.REST IN PEACE,OUR FRIEND.
October 8, 2013
My Love... As each year passes without you I feel the great loss even more. I hope you celebrated your birthday on October 3rd with your best buddy Damon and of course Marc, Mario, Patty and your parents. We've lost too many good people, too many to list.
May the perpetual white light of the Holy Spirit shine upon you.
I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
August 29, 2013
OUR DEAR FRIENDS BOB AND DAMON,WE MISS YOU BOTH VERY MUCH.REST IN PEACE OUR FRIENDS.LOVE,GARY AND CINDY.
Patty Patrick
August 28, 2013
Hi Bob,
I still miss you so very much. No matter how many years go by, your spirit will never die.
I love you, Bob
August 27, 2013
Dear Heart...I had a mass said for Damon who has been gone now for 5 years. I pray that he is with you and Marc, the three of you together once again... brothers not by blood but by respect and love, friends forever.
Miss you baby, and I miss our dear friend Damon.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
March 30, 2013
OUR DEAR FRIEND BOB,
HAPPY EASTER,WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH.WE LOVE YOU LIKE A BROTHER.REST IN PEACE.
March 30, 2013
Thinking of you also all my family and friends. Hope you are all together and enjoying one big party for Easter.
You are all sadly missed.
Lots of Love
Terry Velda xxxx
Linda Drake
March 29, 2013
Dearest Bob - you are still in our thoughts and hearts. My mom joined you in December - if you happen to see her, she'll know who you are as I spoke of you often. Happy Easter in Heaven. Love always, Linda
Patty Patrick
March 28, 2013
Every time we play a song of Mario Lanza, you are in it. In our thoughts, in our hearts. Forever.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
March 27, 2013
OUR DEAR FRIEND BOB,
WE MISS YOU AND SO DO THE PEOPLE THAT RESPECTED YOU AND KNEW YOU.YOUR KINDS OF KEEP ON GOING WILL BE WITH US ALWAYS.YOUR WERE AND ARE A GREAT FRIEND TO US.WE SHALL NEVER FOR GET YOU.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
March 27, 2013
OUR DEAR FRIEND BOB,
WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH,ALSO YOUR KIND WORDS TO KEEP GO GOING NO MATTER HOW ROUGH THE ROAD OF LIFE GETS.BOB,YOU HAD A VERY KIND AND GIVING SOUL.YOU ARE SURLY MISSED BY EVERYONE THAT NEW YOU AND RESPECTED YOU.YOU WILL NEVER BE FOR GOTTEN.
Mary Anne Golden
March 25, 2013
I am so sorry to recently hear of Bob's death. I had worked on a small musical project with he and Damon years ago. Bob was an enthusiastic, wonderful very generous historian. He was devoted to promoting the talents of Mario. I enjoyed seeing the museum in Philadelphia, and meeting with Damon and Bob and Mario's devoted fans. Bob will be missed here, but I am sure he is rejoicing at seeing and hearing Mario sing in the heavenly choir! God Bless,
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
February 15, 2013
OUR FRIEND BOB,
WE FOR GOT TO LIGHT A CANDLE FOR YOU,OUR FRIEND.
GARY AND CINDY OWENS
February 15, 2013
OUR FRIEND BOB,
HAPPY VALENTINE DAY,SORRY WERE LATE.WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU LIKE A BROTHER.
Showing 1 - 100 of 179 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Dolfi's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Dolfi
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Dolfi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
