Robert Samuel MARTINO

1935 - 2019

MARTINO, Robert Samuel Martino, Robert Samuel, age 83 of Bala Cynwyd, Pa and Boca Raton, FL died in the early hours of Christmas Eve morning, peacefully, with his devoted wife and daughter by his side. Born April 5, 1935 to the late Clara (nee Fusco) and Samuel Martino of Upper Darby, PA, he was a veteran of the United States Army, graduate of Temple University School of Business and attended Villanova Law School. He served the City of Philadelphia as a concessionaire, owning and operating the City Line and Burholme Golf Recreational Complexes for over 30 years. A highlight of his career came with the construction of Toboggan Funland, the City's only toboggan slide. The inaugural run carried City of Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo. The photo of Rizzo, with his eyes firmly shut, made the front page of all the city papers. Bob's name would also appear in the papers over the years as winner of the Philadelphia Amateur Golf Championship (twice), winner of the coveted Patterson Cup, as qualified to play the Senior PGA Tour, and of the many low score/hole-in-one records on countless Philadelphia Courses. To this day, he holds the lowest round ever played at Bala Golf Club. In addition to Bala Golf Club, he was a member of Squires and Cedarbrook Golf Clubs in Pennsylvania and Palm Aire and Eagle Trace Golf Clubs in Florida. His children used to joke that the carpets in the family home were green so that Dad would feel as if he were on the fairway. In addition to his love of golf, Bob also raced Cigarette Speed Boats. He helped organize and participated in the first and now famous, "Poker Run" from Miami to Marathon Key. Of all his hobbies, he is most remembered by his family for his love of photography, vlogging, and film editing. He professionally chronicled every family event and trip. Dubbed "Manpop" by his eldest granddaughter, Gina, in 1992, this moniker was adopted by family and friends. Once his grandson, Mario opined, "But, without Manpop, there won't be any memories," referring to Manpop's role as family photographer and his concern that the family might take a trip without his beloved grandfather. Manpop never a missed trip after that! Thanks for the memories Manpop. You can't believe how much we miss you! Manpop has left more than just memories behind. In 1993, his grandson, Nicholas, was diagnosed with autism. In 1997, Manpop helped establish Mission for Educating Children with Autism (MECA) which, in collaboration with the Devereux Foundation, established the first ever ABA center-based school for profoundly affected young children with autism in Pennsylvania. MECA later joined forces with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to establish a state of the science transition program for older children with autism. That program, Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life (PAAL), has been run independently by MECA for the last 10 years and has expanded to include adult and residential services. Many children and families have gained a better life because of your efforts and share in the sorrow of your loss. Manpop is survived by his constant partner and wife of 58 years, Gloria (nee Cellucci), his three sisters, Delores DePasquale, Donna Dye, and Claire Maise, his daughter Dr. Gloria (nee Martino) (Robert) Satriale, and his sons Robert Samuel Martino and William Francis Martino. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Gina Satriale, Nicholas Satriale, Francesco Satriale, Rose Satriale, Mario Satriale, Kimberly (nee Martino) (Eric) Whitin, Jonathan Martino, and great grandchildren: Raiden and Talin Whitin and Jakob Martino. Services are private, but a memorial celebration of his life is being planned for a later date. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mission for Educating Children with Autism, 100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 where a scholarship in his name will be established.