Robert Allan Polito Sr.

Born in Scranton, PA on January 14, 1942, “Big Bob” was the son of the late Nicholas J. and Arlene S. Polito (nee’ Schulte).

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister-in-law Michelina Macciocco-Polito. He is survived by his Princess, Jessica Thompson (Gary); two sons, Chip (Christine) and Randy; three grandchildren: Cannon, Julian, and Marcus; brother, Nicholas Jr.; nephew, Nicholas III and niece, Michele.

In his younger days, Bob could be found behind the plate playing catcher for various sandlot and little league teams. In high school, he turned his attention from the diamond to the gridiron where he played offensive line for the Scranton Central Golden Eagles. Bob earned acclaim not for his blocking prowess, but for being ejected from a game for biting an opponent.

Post high school, Bob served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman for Naval Air Squadron VP-16. Based out of NAS Jacksonville, he spent most of his deployment patrolling the Northern Atlantic from airbases in Keflavik, Iceland and Stavanger, Norway. Although he never saw any direct combat, his unit did investigate a suspicious pod of whales that were mistaken for Soviet submarines during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

Having earned an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Bob turned his attention toward a career in sales. For over 40 years, he represented some of the most well-known brands in the food service industry. His work with Keebler, Carnation, Beechnut, and Conway Import Company earned him many awards and distinctions, culminating with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Chef’s Scholarship Foundation in 2011.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Bob enjoyed collecting friendships, boating, attending water aerobics classes, completing crossword puzzles, and watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball.

A memorial service and comedic roast of Big Bob will be held in late June.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bob Polito to The Giving Kitchen.

The Giving Kitchen

www.thegivingkitchen.org

970 Jefferson St. NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Polito family.