Bob Dante

Robert Bernard "Bob" Dante, 78, of Statesville, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Gordon Hospice House. Bob was born May 15, 1940 in Detroit, MI and was the son of the late Lee Fisher Dante and Katherine Murphy Dante. He was a graduate of St. Johns College High School and Belmont University where he received his Bachelors in English Literature. Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard earning the rank of Lieutenant before his discharge in February of 1969. On August 11, 1979, he married Elaine D. Budd Dante and together they shared 38 years of marriage until his death. Bob was a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church and was a strong man of faith. His witness to others was to go on the London Bridges Mission trip with his church. He loved his family with all his heart. His children and grandchildren meant everything to him. He was a loving and devoted family man. Bob was self-employed as a commercial kennel, boarding and grooming shop. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Allison K. Smith (Kevin), one grandson, Nathan Smith and two granddaughters, Samantha and Arielle Smith, all of Avondale, PA. He is also survived by three brothers, Michael Dante of Alexandria, VA, Richard Dante (Janet) of Hampton, MD, and Lee Dante of Philadelphia, PA along with one sister, Katherine Dante of Rockville, MD. Funeral services honoring the life of Bob Dante will be conducted at 4:00 PM Saturday, May 19 in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Andy Lackey officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the funeral service and again following the service at Nicholson Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Military Honors and the Iredell County Veterans Burial Datail. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.