Robert Lastra

Robert (Bobby) Lastra, 77, of Tampa, Florida passed away on June 28, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Bobby is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Dolores Capitano Lastra; his daughter Lana Lastra Vargo (Michael); his cherished grandchildren Dylan Michael Vargo and Steven Robert Vargo; his brother Arthur Lastra (Ellie) and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Nina Lastra; his brother John Lastra Sr; and his in-laws Joseph and Mary Capitano; and his brother in law Joseph Rowe Sr. Bobby was born on November 8, 1946. He is a native of Tampa who lived life to the fullest. Bobby adored spending time with his family and friends. He graduated from Plant High School in 1965 and is an alumnus of The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. In 1970, Bobby married Dolores, his high school sweetheart. Bobby was a salesman in the food industry for many years and worked in the family-owned business Lastra’s Pharmacy. Bobby loved to travel and loved New York City. He was known to many as “Mr. NYC.” After he retired from the food industry he became a New York City tour guide and started his own business called NYC Groups Inc. He would take groups from Tampa to New York throughout the year. Through these amazingly planned trips, he could share his love of NYC with many people and families. Bobby loved his family more than anything. He valued every minute he spent with them. His wife, daughter, and grandchildren meant the world to him. He was always there with a smile and a video camera to record everything from the small things to the big events. In his free time, Bobby was the founder and president of the Tampa Bay Sharkers fishing club. He enjoyed going out on his boat the “LanaDee” and hosting shark fishing tournaments in which many participated. Bobby enjoyed his time as a member of the chain gang for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He never missed a game and was able to take part in three Super Bowls at Tampa Stadium. He was an avid New York Yankees fan who looked forward to watching them play each baseball season. Bobby was known as the “Planner” to his group of friends. You could always count on him to plan the next lunch, dinner, or great get-together for all. The Lastra family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Bayshore Pointe for their unwavering support and care during his time there. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bobby Lastra’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association or The Tunnel To Towers Foundation. Bobby’s love, laughter, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. A Celebration of Life for Bobby will occur at Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Dr. on Thursday, July 18 from 6-9 pm.