Robert N. Dardano Sr.

Robert N. Dardano, Sr., a leading volunteer for veterans causes in Monroe County, died on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, age 93.
He was the son of Agnes and Salvatore Dardano, Sr. Mr. Dardano was born on March 9, 1928, in Utica, N.Y., where he was raised and educated. He was a resident of Rochester from 1958 until his death. He served with the U.S. Navy Seabees in World War II and with the 58th CB Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. As a naval reservist, he was recalled to active duty in the Korean War where he served in Guam for two years.
Mr. Dardano was a life member of the Italian American War Veterans and served in every leadership position on the local, state, and national levels as Commander of Monroe County Post No. 26, Commander of the Department of New York, and National Commander. As National Commander, he presented a floral wreath at the American Battle Monument Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, on Memorial Day 1969. He also placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington, D.C., and at other cemeteries in Italy and France.
Mr. Dardano served as Post Commander of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council, City of Rochester, serving 45 years as Chairman of the Memorial Day Observance Committee and was a member of the Veterans Advisory Committee of Monroe County. He was a member of the United Veterans Association of Monroe County and was a past president of the Italian Civic League. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Thomas F. Healy Post No. 16, and served as Quartermaster and Senior Vice Commander. He was also a member of the Navy Seabees Veterans of America.
On September 5, 1984, at an audience with Pope John Paul Il at Vatican City and on behalf of the Italian American War Veterans, he presented His Holiness with a plaque honoring him for his quest for peace throughout the world.
In 1998, as the Rochester War Memorial was undergoing renovations, Mr. Dardano helped lead an effort to be sure that veterans were not forgotten. The renovated building was designed to include a room where plaques honoring veterans would be displayed, and where people could access a computer registry to learn about Monroe County area veterans.
Mr. Dardano served over 50 years as a Veterans Administration Voluntary Services representative and received numerous awards for his many hours of volunteer service, his contributions to hospitalized veterans, and his service in the cause of veteran's rights. He faithfully served the veterans community throughout his life. Mr. Dardano served as Post Commander of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council, City of Rochester, serving 45 years as Chairman of the Memorial Day Observance Committee, where he coordinated the placing of American flags on the graves of Monroe County veterans, and was a member of the Veterans Advisory Committee of Monroe County. Mr. Dardano served over 50 years as a Veterans Administration Voluntary Services representative and received numerous awards for his many hours of volunteer service, his contributions to hospitalized veterans, and his service in the cause of veteran's rights. He logged over 6250 hours of voluntary service and faithfully served the veterans community throughout his life. In recent years, he and his wife donated many years' worth of paperwork and hundreds of photographs documenting the history and work of the Italian American War Veterans and other local veterans' groups to the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation at the University of Rochester River Campus Libraries.
In addition, Mr. Dardano served as an Elections Inspector for many years.
Mr. Dardano is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Virginia M. (Jeanne) Cundari Dardano. He is survived by his son Robert N. Dardano, Jr., of Washington, D.C.; son David L. (Cynthia) Dardano of Bellingham, Wash.; and two grandchildren, Samantha Lynn Dardano and Tyler Christian Dardano, both of Bellingham, Wash.
Also surviving is brother Nicholas (Catherine) Dardano of Orlando, Fla.; sister-in-law Marsha (Richard) Dardano of Boonville, N.Y.; and sister-in-law Frances (Richard) Malley of Syracuse, N.Y.; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from throughout the country. He was predeceased by his brother Salvatore (Irene) Dardano, Jr., of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; sister Dolores (Nicholas) Martellotto of Utica, N.Y.; sister Sister Mary Prisca O.S.F. of Syracuse, N.Y.; and brother Richard Dardano of Boonville, N.Y.; as well as brothers Vincent and James who died as children.
No Prior Calling. On Monday, February 14, 2022, all are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 9:30AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park. Entombment will take place at White Haven Memorial Park with full military honors following his Funeral Mass. Those wishing, donations may be directed to Canandaigua VA Medical Center, 400 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua, N.Y. 14424 in his memory. The family would like to thank all of the health care professionals at the Veterans Administration, Highland Hospital, and the Episcopal Church Home who cared for Mr. Dardano during his illness.