Robert Samual D'Orsaneo

Our beloved Robert Samuel D’Orsaneo left us on February 10th, 2026, just after his 64th birthday, following a nearly five-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive, terminal brain cancer. The illness forced him to step away from his role as Vice President of Business Operations, Life Sciences at Getinge, the work he loved, where he was admired for his compassion, quick wit, keen intellect, and unwavering integrity.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Martha; his devoted parents, Bob and Rosalie; his caring sister, Gina D'Orsaneo-Bennett; his dedicated children, Anthony (Mercedes), Alexandra (Brayton), and Samantha (Benjamin); and his precious grandchildren, Carmine and Celina.

Robert’s greatest joy was his family. He delighted in watching his children, Anthony, Alexandra, and Samantha, grow, flourish, and marry, and he treasured every laugh, hug, and story shared with his grandchildren, Carmine and Celina.

He loved the Buffalo Bills, DMB, cooking with flair, savoring wonderful meals, and playing guitar and singing for his wife at open-mic nights. Music was his language of love. Athletic and disciplined, he rarely missed a day at the gym, balancing his health, his work, and time with the ones he loved. His warmth, charm, and radiant smile drew people to him throughout his life.

Three years into his diagnosis, with determination that inspired everyone around him, Robert hiked nearly 200 miles on the Appalachian Trail — a testament to his courage and his belief that life is meant to be lived.

When a stroke following his second surgery left his right side paralyzed, he refused to surrender to limitation. Instead, he learned to play harmonica, continuing to fill his home with music. Even while receiving hospice care, he took the stage from his wheelchair to play alongside his friend Bobby G’s band, embodying joy and resilience in the face of hardship.

For nineteen years, Robert and his wife, Mary Martha, walked hand in hand, living life to the fullest, drawing strength, laughter, and joy from one another. Robert was the steady rock of their relationship, while Mary brought adventure and spark. Throughout his illness, Mary stood as his advocate, caregiver, and devoted partner, guiding them both through their final chapter together.

We are profoundly grateful to Robert’s compassionate caregivers — Mary Engel, Larry Gaddy, and Frederick Ross — as well as to his brothers in music, Paul Stoddard, Bobby G, Steve Bass, and Nicolas Sanabria, and his dedicated therapists, Jerry Buckman and François Petit.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be announced at a future date.

Music was Robert’s greatest joy. In honor of his memory, donations may be made to the Save the Music Foundation or the Glioblastoma Foundation.

He will be forever remembered for the love he shared, the music he made, and the courage with which he lived each day.