Robert Tinucci

Bob Tinucci, age 62, of Naples, Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 after a 6 month courageous and optimistic battle against lung cancer. He never gave up until the last moment, and his courage is something we all should strive for. Bob is survived by his adoring wife, Barbara; his daughters Jennifer Tinucci and Beth Sciarretta; and his son, Jimmy Novak. Also surviving him are his father, Spartaco and brother, Rick and his wife Diane, niece Karin Watson and nephew Andy Tinucci, their children, and loving cousins in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Seven grandchildren include Brandon Engle, Alexandra Engle, William Tinucci, Dillon Novak, Quincy Novak, Johnny Sciarretta and Jessica Sciarretta. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother Gina and aunts and uncles. Bob was happy and proud to plan many vacations, one of the best when he took 19 family members to Jamaica. He built a vacation home in Wisconsin so the family would have a gathering place to enjoy each other, eating, drinking, laughing, fishing, swimming and boating. He loved holidays, especially Halloween, and had a lot of fun dressing up each year in a better costume than the year before. He was especially fond of his wife's niece Donna who was like a daughter to him, and he was also especially happy and proud that he located his distant relatives in Calci, Italy via Facebook. He spoke fluent Italian, learned from his grandparents. He and Barbara finally made a trip to Italy two years ago, and it was one of the happiest trips of his life. During the last few years, after moving to Florida he became close to his two "adopted" nieces, Michelle (his daughter's childhood friend) and her loving partner PJ who also adored him, and doted on him as he got sick. Bob was a bricklayer/stone mason by trade, in the tradition of the old world Italian stone masons, and worked all his life throughout the Chicago area. He had a brilliant mathematical mind and could fix or build almost anything. He ran his own business, and then took over the construction and real estate business of his friend and mentor, Jack Leone after Jack passed away. In his younger years, Bob belonged to a folk singing group, and played guitar and sang with a beautiful voice. Bob and Barbara took care of Jack's wife, Joy for 14 years until her death. Bob loved more than anything to cook for his family and friends and enjoyed a cocktail or few, especially bourbon. He was a lover of life, food and laughter, and though he didn't make friends easily, those who he did like, basked in his warmth and gentleness. He was a gentleman and a gentle man to all, at all times. One of his favorite sayings was "Love the people who can love you back". Those who were able to show him love and respect were richly rewarded. Memorial services and celebrations of his life will be held in Florida and Illinois at later dates. Bob loved his home in Florida, dubbed "Tinucci's Paradise Island". In his honor, drink a toast to him and be kind to one another.