Robert "Big Boy" Stagnaro

Dino, your dad was so nice and all the time! But we're sure you have all the great memories!

In 1973, I had arrived from New York to live with my brother. Big Boy promised my brother he would give me a job in the kitchen at Malios. I became friendly with Billy, who also worked in Malios kitchen. Because of the opportunity I was given by Big Boy, I went on to be a successful chef, then a chef/manager, raised 5 children and had a good life. I am extremely sorry for his passing and beautiful Santa Cruz lost a legend and a man many people owe so much.

Steven Lynch-NYC

I have happy memories of working at Gilda's as a busboy for 3 summers with the Stagnaro family: Robert, Gilda, Mary, Leta, and all.

We are deeply saddened by Big Boy's death. The Thevenin family is a long time friend of Roberts and we will miss his beautiful smile when we would come in to Gilda's for breakfast. Al Thevenin a fisherman in Santa Cruz most his life and Robert were good friends and Robert put Al's pictures up in the lobby of Gild's and Al family appreciates that very much. So sorry for his loss. The Thevenin's Phyllis, Skip, Letha, Howard, Adam,Mendy, Jake, and Jerid

After Gilda's passing, you brought back the warm, inviting atmosphere she helped to create. I was content even to hear you speaking across the room to other patrons. I miss those stories and your voice.

So sorry to learn of your loss. I knew Big Boy and Joanie in the early 50's. Big Malio stayed with my grandfather on weekend liberty in San Diego when he was stationed at Camp Del Mar. Later Robert and Joanie rented a place there close to my grandfathers' place, and my brothers and I saw them regularly. Great fond memories of two wonderful people and a great family. I remember Malio would grab me in a bear hug and say, "Hiya Jimmy" and give me his stubble beard rub as I squealed for mercy !

may i say to Robert's family i have a deep respect for such a gentle man. He and i both talked frequently at Gilda's regarding his military service, we both had ties to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. I moved from Santa Cruz in 1997 and just heard of Big Boy's passing. God bless all of you, it was a pleasure knowing him.

To all Big Boy & Joanie's, children. Words can not express the sorrow we feel hearing about the loss of your dad. We have so many memory's of Big Boy as well as your mom. The many times Big Boy walk by howling at Ronnie." Ronnie boy cock adoole no school today, then times Joanie made cookies with our Jonie setting on the stool watching her.I still have the paper she cut out of a picture of a boat clipping with a boat name Jonie.She had to bring over for her to have. What great influence...

ROBERT STAGNARO, GILDA'S, ....DINO IS CARRYING ON THE FAMILY TRADITION. WHENEVER I HAVE VISITORS I TAKE THEM FOR DINNER AT GILDA'S BECAUSE THE FOOD, THE VIEWS, THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE OF ALL WHO WORK THERE REFLECT THE POSITIVE IMAGES OF SANTA CRUZ.