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ROBERT ABBO Obituary
ABBO ROBERT ABBO "Bobby" On Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the age of 69, in the company of his loving wife, Marcia McGrath Abbo. A lifelong resident of Washington, DC, Bobby was the owner of the ROMA Restaurant in Cleveland Park, which closed in 1997 when he retired, and had been opened by his parents (Anna and Frank Abbo) in 1932. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving sister, Mirella Abbo, of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Bobby was beloved by four generations of Huke, McGrath and Abbo family members and friends of all ages, too numerous to count. The Abbo's became residents of Florida in 1999, living in Key Biscayne until 2013 and then in Delray Beach. Bobby died 1½ years after he was diagnosed with leukemia (AML/MDS). Mr. Abbo was a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory and Georgetown University. He was the founder and President of Poor Robert's Charities, served a term as President of the Maryland State Golf Association, was Green Chairman for many years at Columbia County Club in Chevy Chase, MD, a faithful member of The Lido Club and Cleveland Park Citizens Association, and Owner of Robert Abbo Racing Stables, LLC. By acclimation, Bobby was voted into the inaugural class of the Georgetown Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. The family will receive friends at St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church, 2665 Woodley Road, NW (near Woodley Park Metro) from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 and for the hour before Mass on May 1. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at St. Thomas where the Abbo Family has worshipped for decades. All are invited to wear a "splash' of color to celebrate Bobby's life. A private burial will be held in Boston at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or to Poor Robert's Charities, 3900-B Watson Place, NW, #G2A, Washington, DC 20016. Arrangements by DeVol Funeral Home.Arrangements by DeVol Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ABBO
Sponsored by Marcia and Mirella.
sunny parks
April 21, 2025
we were friends since early childhood and all through our lives .Not a day goes by that we do not remember
the life we shared.
John St. Cyr
February 19, 2020
I was a teacher at Georgetown Prep while Bobby was a student. I was also his football coach for the JV team. I remember him as a popular boy and a very good football player. He was very kind to me and my family when we visited Washington, and had a great dinner at the Roma. I was going through a yearbook for the Prep and saw Bobby's picture. I googled his name and was shocked to read of his death at such a young age. God rest his soul.
November 22, 2019
Just now finding out about Mr Abbo's death I grew up across the street from the Abbo's on Newark St. wonderful family, sorry for the lost of history on Newark St.
George Michael Humes
Tony Cobitz
March 17, 2019
Marcia, and all those who were close to Bobby
I apologize for my belated note, but wanted to mention that I greatly valued Bob's camaraderie around the racetrack, and over many years. He was a pleasure to be around, and is no doubt sorely missed by those who knew him.
All the best...
gladys jerome
February 2, 2018
MIRELLA SO SORRY ABOUT BOBBY I USED TO WORK AT THE RESTAURANT WHEN I LIVED IN D.C.I USED TO LOVE YOUR MOM . AGAIN SO SORRY LOTS OF LOVE
Mirella Abbo
August 2, 2015
Whoever sent the message of July 30th, thank you for your remembrance. As there is no name posted, I can't respond but just know that it was warming to read your entry. Thank you.
July 30, 2015
Just read Arch Campbell's article in the Washingtonian. I had not heard that Bobby had passed. I knew he had moved to Florida and never saw him after the Roma closed. I loved the Roma and went probably once a week (living at Van Ness up the street). I always felt like a part of the family. Mama Abbo definitely had her moments, but Bobby would come up and "smooth" everything up-always warm and gracious and smiling. I celebrated many mile stones there, including my 40th birthday! I always treated my elder Mom there when she visited from NC because she loved the accordion player, I think his name was Paul and Janice, the blind piano player. I have wonderful pictures of us dining on the patio, which I will never forget. I too did the grape smashing and Bobby just made everything fun. I miss the spaghetti and the Veal Francais and Maria, one of the waiters-so sweet. But Bobby just made the place. I remember meeting his sister who was working maybe one summer. I miss the entire family, the restaurant and I will always remember what a great person Bobby was. My very belated condolences to the entire family. I hope you like Arch Campbell's article - just brought back so many good memories. RIP Bobby
Paul Fuqua
November 4, 2014
Mirella and Marcia: I've just learned of Bobby's death and am saddened deeply. Bobby was a contemporary but more importantly was a person whom I admired, for his intelligence, his wisdom, his humor, his foresight and his work ethic. My childhood was spent wishing that I could play as well as my friend, on the diamond, the field and the court. I remember coming back to the restaurant after ball games we played together. Bobby always told me to tell his Dad that we'd won, regardless of the outcome, so he'd be proud of us and bring on the pizza and cokes. He was a hero to my son and always will be in my thoughts, as will you.
Pat Aiken-O'Neill
May 15, 2014
As a teenager, it was all about the Roma. It was "the" place - and Bobby was the placeholder - there, and of course, later - at Poor Roberts. We went to see Bobby, and he was a gracious host even at that young age. I can't remember eating Italian food until the Roma, and once I tried the lasagna, the pizza - any pasta - I was a believer. Mirella was at Stone Ridge, Bobby at Georgetown Prep and the family, from St Thomas the Apostle, so it was a "small" town then. Many great memories, and nice to have time with Mirella at the reception. (Naples and Washington, DC)
May 5, 2014
Dear Marsha,
Tom, Doug and I were so sorry to learn of Bobby's death.
He was a great guy and always so kind and friendly. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Joan, Tom & Doug Hurson
Jill Alex
May 4, 2014
Dear Mirella
I am so sorry to hear about Bobby. Please know that I am praying and thinking about you during this sad time. I will always remember him during the years of our youth.
Much love, Jill
May 2, 2014
The loss of a love one is very sad, it is important we rely on God during this very difficult time, 1PE 5:7
May 1, 2014
Rest in Peace Bobby. He was a great presence in D.C. and remains in my memory as a child. Funny and charismatic - gave me a job at the Roma as a waitress one summer. Mary Beth Keller Weiss.
May 1, 2014
I knew Bobby in the early 60s and he was responsible for many "firsts" in my life. My first piece of pizza, my first beer, my first taste of calamari, and many others. I got to know him even better through his sister Mirella, who I attended school with. I had to move to Sarasota, Florida in 2000 because there was no more "Poor Roberts" to hang out in. So many parts of our DC lives were entwined with Bobby and his loving family. He will surely be missed.
Lee Higdon Dillon
Mary Doherty Beal
April 30, 2014
Dear Mirella,
All of our loving, fun memories of Bobby and the wonderful times we had at the Roma hold such special richness and history in our lives. May you find comfort at this sad time, knowing Bobby celebrated life so well and shared that light and celebration with us all!
Duke Brannock
April 30, 2014
Bobby was the clear definition of "THE TRUE GENTLEMAN".
We will all miss his mannerisms ,his Smile, his walk , and his warmth.
Christopher Ceccone
April 30, 2014
My condolences to all of Bobby's family. I remember Bobby well as my father knew him and took our family to the Roma restaurant almost every weekend for the majority of our youth. Such fond memories of my times there with Bobby and his own family. Much love and respect sent to all of his loved one's and my prayer's go up for him. God bless and may he Rest in Peace.
April 30, 2014
I wanted to offer my condolences to your family on Bobby's passing. He was my Basketball coach at Prep and through the years at Poor Roberts or out was always a bright light. He always made everyone else feel good through his wit and stories. We are all going to miss him.
Phil Sullivan and Family
April 30, 2014
Dear Abbo Family, I am so sorry to hear about Bobby's passing. I called on Bobby @ The Roma & Poor Roberts for many years as a young wholesale liq dist salesperson. Bobby taught me a great deal about life & business that I will never forget. I admired his love for life & his wonderful charity works. I also was a patron many times & he will be missed by many. God Bless!! Jerry Humphreys
Norrie Frese
April 30, 2014
Marcia and Mirella,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Kathy Hummer
April 29, 2014
So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing, many great memories of the Roma with family and friends . The place to celebrate special occasions! Much love and prayers, Kathy CARDACI -Hummer
Cee Cee Cummings
April 29, 2014
Dear Marcia and Mirella,,
As you both know, everyone loved Bobby. He was the best and will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Bobby.
April 29, 2014
Dear family, I'm sorry for your loss. May you draw close to the god of all comfort during this difficult time. James 4:8
Patricia (Pat) Keefe-Moran
April 29, 2014
My Sincere Sympathy and prayers to the Bobby's family. My parents owned the Woodley Flower Shop and the Roma Restaurant was the gathering place for lunch.
April 29, 2014
very sad to hear of Bobby's passing...a very fun loving and charitable guy. I owned Woodley Liquor,two doors from the Roma and Poor Roberts and ate their every day....he will be missed,Ed Sands
Bobby at Laurel, September 21, 2013
Vas
April 28, 2014
April 28, 2014
Dear ones,
Murray and I are heartbroken.
We each had a special relationship and a special love for
Bobby.
His would be my first and longest friendship.
We have known each other since we were 5.
Throughout the years our lives have crossed and connected.
Like a thread in the tapestry of my life, he was always there
rich and vivid.
His kindness, his generosity, his fun can never be forgotten.
The world has lost a great soul.
Our lives will be a little paler without him.
Sunny Parks
John Hanley
April 28, 2014
My favorite story about Bobby is the first time I met him. It was August 1987 and I had come to Poor Robert's to watch the Canada Cup hockey tournament; no place else had it on. Somehow, I got seated at Bobby's table in the back. At some point, after a few too many cold Buds, I blurted out, "What do I eat in this joint?" The unknown guy next to me, Bobby (of course), doesn't miss a beat. "Try the cannoli." Even getting growled at by Bobby could make your day better. God Bless.
April 28, 2014
Dear Mirella and Marcia:
I have not seen Bobby for awhile but he was a strong presence in my life growing up in DC. I will always remember his smile and kindness.
Best,
Michele Murphy
P R
April 28, 2014
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Abbo. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this most difficult time.
April 28, 2014
Mirella and Marcia I am so sorry for your loss, Bobby was a friend for many years. Dickie Rinaudot, Sarasota Fl
April 28, 2014
The room lit up when Bobby entered. Full of energy, happiness and a bounce in his step. He will be very missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family. Jane Keller Lloyd
Mrs. Douglas White
April 27, 2014
God shone through Bobby's essence, spirit, presence. My husband also had that. They shared THAT and...love of horseracing, baseball, football, Maryland, DC, food, drink, laughter, family. I will miss both of them the rest of my life on this earth. Can't wait to see them again in our eternal lives
gregory giebel
April 27, 2014
Mirella and Marcia,
I am so saddened to hear of our loss.
I know how wonderful a brother he was and I am sorry that I never saw him in Delray. I'm in Boca and if you ever need anything Mirella I will try to help fill his shoes.
Love Greg and Evelyn
April 27, 2014
My sympathy to the family. God assures us that if we draw close to him he will draw close to us found at James 4 : 8.
SF
Stephen Garcia
April 27, 2014
God Speed, Bobby Abbo
I first met Bobby in September of 1957, my first day at Georgetown Prep 7th grade. He was even then, larger than life. He possessed a grace and self-confidence that seemed to say “together we can accomplish anything." Any activity where Bobby was involved made the whole, greater than the sum of the parts. He was a winner who possessed a wisdom, and kindness that made being with him always a plus.
There are few, maybe a handful of people that are unforgettable. Bobby was one of those. He will be missed.
Stephen Garcia, DDS
April 27, 2014
Marcia and Mirella
There are no words for our incredible sadness---HOWEVER--Bobby's journey will never end--He has created a melody of memories and carved his name in many hearts---stay strong--all my love--Jerry Kostandoff
April 27, 2014
Bobby was one of life's genuinely pleasant people, who seemed to get energized simply by being involved with things he cared about and people of all sorts and conditions. I recall
fondly what must have been about 500 Friday After Work visits I happily made during my time living in Washington. And the Kentucky Derby parties! What fun. Blessings to all his family, including Mirella, and in-laws and other friends.
Peter Winterble
Buenos Aires, Argentina
John Rice
April 27, 2014
I am very sorry.
April 27, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family, friends and prayer (Psalm 65:2) during this difficult time.
Ed Henry
April 27, 2014
Bobby was such a class act. I will never forget the example he set by actually living out his Catholic faith through endless hours of charity with Poor Robert's. He helped so many people, and that will be his ultimate legacy. RIP Bobby and best to your family.
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