Robert J. "Bob" Dondero

Robert John "Bob" Dondero, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Spring Hill, Florida. He was born on April 22, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to John Dondero and Helen Idzebski, both of whom preceded him in death.
Bob grew up in St. Albans, New York, where he was a good student and a well-mannered young man who followed in his father's footsteps, developing the skills that would later lead him to a career as an electrician. During his childhood, Bob and his family spent their summers in a bungalow community in Midvale, New Jersey, a place filled with adventure, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Those summers were marked by close family bonds and childhood fun. Bob, his brother Don, and their cousins formed a tight-knit group, spending their days fishing, swimming, riding bikes, and exploring the outdoors. They built tree forts, raced bullfrogs at the lake, and tracked their summer turtle catches with playful competition. Rainy days were spent playing cards and games, and Bob's sense of humor was already evident - including one memorable game of "murderer" where he was found hiding in a slop sink. These moments reflected the joy, curiosity, and camaraderie that remained part of Bob throughout his life.
Baseball was always a huge part of his life. From playing to coaching to becoming an umpire… he did it all.
Bob attended Brooklyn Technical High School before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy and was stationed on the submarine, USS Wahoo. After his service, he became an electrician and soon afterwards married his first wife, Joan Bukowski. They started their family and had four wonderful children.
He eventually made his home in Spring Hill, Florida, a place that became the backdrop for many happy years with family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Dondero, affectionately known as "Zoo," with whom he loved traveling and sharing life's adventures.
Bob is survived by his brother Donald Dondero and sister-in-law Alicia; his four children: Sharon Kitchen and her husband Matthew, Christine Fallon and her husband Paul, Stephen Dondero, and Lisa Jones and her husband Andre; and his cherished grandchildren Jorday Sayles (fiancée Kahli), Tyler Kitchen, Gabrielle Fallon (fiancé Matthew), Rebecca Fallon, and Ciara Sayles.
A man of strong faith and generous heart, Bob dedicated much of his time to helping others. He volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul and was an active member of Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church. He was known for his kindness, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
Bob had a lifelong love of trains, submarines, and boats. He treasured time spent with friends, including his model train group, Tuesday nights at the dance club, the Veteran's Breakfast Group, and the weekly Thursday dinners with his crew.
Above all, Bob loved being a father and grandfather. He delighted in spending time with his daughters and grandchildren, especially swimming with them in the pool, taking them on boat rides, trips to Busch Gardens, the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Weeki Wachee and for ice cream at Papa Clyde's - moments that created memories his family will forever hold close.
Bob will be remembered for his warmth, humor, devotion to family, service to others, and the joy he brought into every room. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Joan of Arc food pantry (StJoanOfArcFL.com).