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BORN

1942

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory

910 67th Ave North

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Robert Montanari Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert "Bobby" Montanari on March 21, 2025 at the age of 82 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born July 30, 1942 to the late Henry and Betty Montanari in Pittsburgh, PA. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Rosemary of 54 years, his children David Montanari (Eunjin) and Nina Thatcher(James), and three grandchildren, Savannah, Henry and Luca who lovingly called him Pappy; sister in law Anna Mae Lenkey(Joseph), nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Bobby was a true restauranteur, and he owned many bars and restaurants in Pittsburgh before moving to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1988 where he opened Umberto's at Barefoot Landing as well as several other restaurants along the Grand Strand. Umberto's is still operating after 37 years by his daughter, Nina. He had a level of charisma and graciousness with customers and staff alike that made everyone feel like family. He was a unique individual that could walk into a room and create the atmosphere, it was a rare talent and he radiated it. Bobby's wit and instincts contributed to his success and respect among anyone that he met. In his younger days, Bobby was an avid golfer, and he loved to read. However, his biggest passion was a great Italian meal and a good bottle of wine which led him to countless trips throughout Italy. He even managed a recent trip in April 2024 despite his illness.

His family is eternally grateful to have had him as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

A private memorial will be held on Thursday March 27th at Plum Creek Cemetery in Plum Borough, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charities, St. Jude's or the Shriner's Children Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun News from Mar. 22 to Mar. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Montanari

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Susan Mullenax

September 5, 2025

Sympathy to a wonderful family.
I went to nursery school with David. I have very fond memories of Mr. Montanari and his wife as a child.
I met David's sister at Umbertos in 2009.
Again,
My deepest sympathy

Matt Allmond

May 19, 2025

I was the little 8 year old kid with my family who saw pictures of him and Frank Sinatra on the wall and when he went around asking about everyone´s meals he came to our table. I asked him if he knows Frank Sinatra and his eyes lit up and grabbed a chair and sat down with my family. After that he always treat us like family. Greatly missed and one of sweetest people. We love the food, but there was so much. Well now him and ol blue eye´s are back golfing.

Kevin McGrath

May 9, 2025

Bobby gave me my first job in Myrtle Beach. I remember him saying "can you find something for this kid to do" truly I great guy. I can remember his voice and his smile to this day. He would act like a tough guy then crack a smile.

Jim Finley

April 3, 2025

Always a great time talking with Bobby. Helped me in the restaurant business. My condolences to Nina and Dave.

Nicole Crissman

March 31, 2025

I´m So sorry for your loss. Bobby was from my home town in Pittsburg. He gave me my first waitressing job . I´ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to do something different..Met my best friend of 30 years there.. Rest in Peace.. Hope your having a Lemoncello

Sharon Montanari Stawski

March 26, 2025

Dear Rosemary, David, Nina & family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great guy and truly one of a kind. I hope the memories of your life together will give you peace and comfort during this sad time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Ron & Linda Mahoney

March 25, 2025

Dear Rosie, Nina and David,
We were so sorry to hear about Bobby. Many fond memories and good times in Pittsburgh and Key West when we would visit. He was a very special guy and will be missed. Our hearts go out to you and your entire family.
Love,
Ron & Linda Mahoney

Monica Hardee

March 25, 2025

Nina, Rose, & David,
My heart hurts along side with yours. Bobby was like a second father to me growing up. There are so many days and nights Nina and I spent together making memories. He always treated me like I was his own daughter, gave me money for the movies or a lecture I needed. I can still hear his voice say "hey Neen! Hey Mon! Get over here!" His infectious laugh and wit were one of a kind. I will always cherish the love and memories shared with him and your family. I love you guys so much.

Tom and Sandy Nagy

March 25, 2025

Deepest condolences to Rosemary, Nina, David and grandchildren for your loss. My cousin Bob and I go back to day one. A very sad time.

Benjy Hardee

March 25, 2025

Rest in peace my Old Friend , We had some good times over the years . You will be missed by many . Prayers for Nina & Rosemary .

Jack Smith

March 24, 2025

Rose Nina and David so sorry to hear this sad news We have not been to Myrtle in quite a while but we're just talking about coming down more to see Umbertos than anything else will lift a glass of vino to a great guys memory Thoughts and prayers to you all
Jack and Georgia Smith

Wayne Orlowski (owner of Cozy O's Italian bistro LittleRiver)

March 24, 2025

Rosemay and Family,Sorry for your Loss I've known Bobby over thirty years we played golf together with Tony and Joe Cat.We always had a great time at River Hills.Every year we would look forward to the Liguine golf Classic.He had a infectious personality and he he would always call me Kid because i was younger than them and always finish his stories with "you know what I mean" RIP' a one of a kind' Bobby

Mike Melucci

March 24, 2025

I met Bob when I started bringing a bunch of guys to Myrtle Beach through Jim telerico and we became friends. I remember our trip to Vegas had a great time. RIP Bob

Charles Banks

March 24, 2025

Great guy and rest in peace

Taxi Norris

March 24, 2025

Such a Nice man...God Bless you sir may you Rest In Peace..

Jackie Dudley Bray

March 24, 2025

I loved when Bob would come up to the Barefoot office. I did some typing etc for him on occasion and he always smelled so good to me as he smelled like garlic! He was a great guy!

Frank and Carole Bossola

March 23, 2025

Dear Sweet Rose, Nina, David and grandchildren,
Our deepest sympathy to the loss of one great guy. Frank and him had a lot of fun times in the army reserve, and all our visits with both of you filled with stories and laughter.The visit when the hurricane hit at your beach house and Bob and Frank stayed there, the "love shack" at Key West and our daughter having the very best summer with Bob and you. All our memories bring a smile and laughter ,,,,, we pray God give all of you a special peace and comfort during this difficult time. Our love and prayers,,,, Frank and Carole

Ed & Donna Liberto

March 23, 2025

Dear Rose and Family,
Our deepest sympathy. We will
never forget the great times we spent with you and Bobby over the years and especially our trip to Italy. You and Bobby were the greatest tour guides! Thanks for all the great memories and our wonderful dinners at Umberto´s! Eddie & Donna Liberto

David Montanari

March 23, 2025

What a guy, one of the most engaging individuals you would ever meet. Blessed with the times spent.
Grief is the price paid for Love, But worth it a million times over.

Kent Chismar

March 23, 2025

One of the finest men I ever met ! A true friend of mine during many years in Myrtle Beach ! All my thoughts & prayers are with Rose, David & Nina !Sorry for your loss ! RIP Bobby ! You will not be forgotten !

Frank G

March 22, 2025

Bobby was a great guy, i met him through a friend and use to see and talk to him at the restaurant in Myrtle beach . Rest in peace

Bill Falkner

March 22, 2025

We go back to the 60s. Great loss to the planet and his friends and family.

Bill Falkner

March 22, 2025

The planet has lost a great guy. We go back to the 60s. B

Joe & Pam Newnam

March 22, 2025

Rosie, Nina & David - our sincere condolences on the loss of Bobby. He was one of the greatest and will be greatly missed.

Maureen O´Hara

March 22, 2025

My sincere condolences to your family! He was a great person who my husband John and I admired for years. Still remember all the stories he shared with us about his time in Pittsburgh. Prayers, love, and hugs to you all.

Michael Marotti

March 22, 2025

Rosemary Nina David my condolences. Bob was a great guy and always look forward seeing him every year. Rest in peace my friend

Linda russ

March 22, 2025

I have known Bob and Rose since they opened Umbertos at Barefoot Lansing and was I have known Bob and Rose ever since they opened Umbertos at Barefoot Landing and was honored to be their CPA all these years. They were not only clients but two if my best friends It was always fun to be around them. I even had the pleasure of going to Italy with them. Bob will be missed by so many. My love and prayers go out to Rose ,Nina David and all his grandkids.

Chi-Chi

March 22, 2025

So many fun memories of our times spent with Bobby & Rose. Too many to mention. I´m so very saddened to hear that his valiant battle against cancer has taken this wonderful man & friend from all who knew and loved him. Rest in Peace dear friend and my sincerest love & condolences to Rose, Nina, David and the rest of his family. God bless you all

Lori (Molnar) Schafer

March 22, 2025

Rosemary, David and Nina,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. He lit up every room that he walked into. I will never forget the Easter dinner that Rosemary, Bob, my parents, John, Bob and I had nearly 2 years ago nor will I ever forget how welcome Bob (and your whole family) always made my family feel. I know my brother is devastated as all of you are. He and Bob shared a very special bond. You have our very deepest sympathies. Lori (Molnar) Schafer and Bob Schafer

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McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory

910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

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