Roberta "Robin" Mandile
Roberta "Robin" Mandile
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Roberta Mandile Obituary
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Eric Goodhart
June 19, 2024
Robin Adair ...always in my heart.
As I write this, it has been almost 60 years since I first laid eyes on one of the
most adorable, sparkling, bright-eyed young women I had ever had the pleasure to meet while working and living on New York´s Manhattan Island during the revolutionary decade of the sixties.
Her name was Robin Adair. We were both 24. I soon learned that her world had already been solidly established in the sophisticated theatrical world of dance. Not just as another dancer in the competitive talent-filled world that we all know, but one with a Curriculum Vitae as a very promising singular talent as a soloist in one of the finest and most respected organizations in the field of entertainment!
Robin had already been on tour in Europe. But fortunately for me, she was
between performances in Manhattan. I found her delightful company during the times we spent together. On one occasion I suggested we drive up the east side of the historic beautiful Hudson River Valley. I watched her reaction when I shared with her the world in which I was very familiar - cozy Inns and historic homes.
Being much more of a world traveler than I was at the time, she may have just been kind when she registered enthusiasm with some of the points of interest we visited. Whatever the motivation, I will always remember her as a kind, thoughtful, immensely sincere; extraordinary caring soul.
Alas, following dinner one night while driving her back to her apartment share, a car crossed the line and hit mine. It did not seem serious at the time. But within minutes I realized it was much more serious than I realized. Robin injured her feet. She knew immediately because of her profession; this was not a minor injury. I was devastated and feared the worst.
Two days later, she loaded her clothes in my car and I drove her home to
Malden, MA for what I hoped would be a short period of healing. There is a saying that everything happens for a reason, but I was not thinking that whatever the reason was in this case, I could not fathom it being a good one. But I prayed that she would recover and resume her promising career.
I later learned that she did make a name for herself with the Boston
Ballet making quite an impact in the work she did with the ballet and her
several dance studio's successes in North Shore towns.
At one point I also became a resident of MA and continued my work as a
restaurant manager. I worked for Ben Thompson, the Cambridge architect behind the revitalization of the Faneuil Hall Market Place in the 1970s.
Fourteen years after I dropped Robin off in Malden, I was managing
Thompson´s Landmark Restaurant in the Faneuil Hall Market Place. One day I saw a notice in the Globe that Boston Ballet´s Robin Adair along with a Bruins player and a Boston Celtic star were the special celebrities at an opening promotion for a new Apple Computer store right near the Landmark!
I wasn´t sure Robin would be interested in seeing me, or even recognize me,
but I mustered up the nerve to step into the building. She was on the opposite side of the room. She instantly recognized me and ran over to greet me with a huge smile. What a welcomed feeling she gave me! I was more than a bit uncomfortable, however, because her husband and sons were standing where she was a few seconds before.
In any case, I will never forget her and once I learned how her life turned out, I will be forever grateful for how that accident in Manhattan years before
transitioned to become a wonderful life for her.
It does not take much imagination to see how Robin´s work and social
relationships left a positive impression on everyone around her. Including, of
course, her children and grandchildren who were created as a direct result of her relationship with the good man she met and married, because of her return home.
Robin, aka Dolly, has left a remarkable legacy of artistic success and business
accomplishments despite a time of great uncertainty at one point in her life. For
some who read this, it may be part of her past that was not known, but a wonderful life lesson to learn from, nonetheless. I hope you agree.
Mark Sullivan
July 23, 2023
I knew Robin and Tom because I put an addition on their Home with a new kitchen. Working for them was splendid. Robin is one of the kindest people Ive ever met. So beautiful to be in Her presence. Tom and I played softball and working with Him was fun at the house with his smile and quick wit. Rest In Peace and Love forever *
Robin Howlett
March 22, 2023
I was blessed to have attended Robin Adair's dance studio in Manchester by the sea, Massachusetts in the 1970's! I loved Her,she believed I had Grace enough to be a ballerina! She is dancing in the heavens I'm sure.
Beth Ferreira Magner
February 2, 2023
Miss Tobin the world is a poorer place without you. Thank you for everything. Condolences to the "boys" and their families.
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Laura Young
December 13, 2022
To all who were graced by her presence & in all of her many capacities, Dolly stood out from then crowd. Although tiny in physique, her aura was immense. And she was just enough older than I to have had some experience, and would freely impart wisdoms and insights to us all. She was effervescent in her dancing
& acting, and most especially in her friendships and mentoring of her students. Every year, Dolly would bring a bevy of her students to "Nutcracker", regale them with stories of our past tours dancing together, and every once in a while, I would get a "ballon ride" with one of her students. I looked forward to it every year! A dedicated teacher she was. How lucky you all were!
Fondly, Laura (Young) & Chris Mehl
Johanna Bohoy
November 23, 2022
Robin was kind enough to provide her ballet studio to our adult ballet group under Marge, her dear friend. We all spent many happy times together with Robin at Ballet lunches thru the years. She will be missed- as well as her beautiful talent as a Boston Ballet ballerina.
Alison McEachern Cahill
November 14, 2022
I can still hear Miss Robin... "pointe those toes!" She was a wonderful teacher and mentor throughout my life. A beautiful soul. Rest In Peace Miss Robin.
Rita Shishido
November 12, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her fondly.
(former sister-in-law)
Vivian Gustafson
November 9, 2022
Robin was a beautiful lady and will be dearly missed. She was lucky to have such a wonderful family. My condolences to Tommy, Bobby and the entire family.
Dennis Gentile
November 9, 2022
Sad day. Always loved you Dolly. See you on the other side.
Frances M Noone
November 8, 2022
I am so sad to see that "my coffee-time friend" of many years ago has died! She and I met at the Howard Johns-on's on Rte 128 on several mornings when she stopped for breakfast on her way to teach in Manchester-by-the-Sea! I have often thought of her. She was truly a wonderful companion and brightened my day.
MINISTRY OF cONSOLATION
November 8, 2022
With our deepest sympathy from Ave Maria Parish, St. Maria Goretti and Our Lady of the Assumption church, staff, parishioners, and the Ministry of Consolation our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
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