We first met Kathy and Robert in 1989 when they opened up their Waimea McDonald's. Robert wanted to support the local farmers and set up a meeting to see if we could provide them with processed lettuce. We first talked business and then started talking story.  When tennis was brought up, that was the start of our friendship.
We would get together for dinners to celebrate special occasions and would catch up with each other. We managed to treat them occasionally but most of the time Robert was sneaky and got the bill, always so generous.
The memory that we have of Robert was when golfing and trying to get that right setup or selecting the club for that perfect shot Robert would say "Just grip it and rip it!" He will not be forgotten, lots of great memories.

Love and Aloha,
Les and Lori

Robert and I met at Ewa  Beach McDonald's in 1973.
He was a first assistant and I was a new manager trainee who just started with McDonald's.
He took me under his wings and kept me there until I was qualified to run my own shifts
Robert and I were automatic room mates at every McDonald's convention.  Our friendship grew stronger and stronger when we roomed together.
I remember when hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992.  Robert flew over to Kauai to check on me..  His visit lasted for 3 days. 
 He left after he was assured  that I recovered from the hurricane damage and was back on my feet. 
 He was there when I needed a friend.
Friends like Robert are hard to find. 
 I will never forget you.
You will always remain in my mind, my heart and conversations.  


We had some really great times and some challenging moments but we always found ways to balance our friendship.  Though we haven't talked much lately,  I know that you know you will be missed and I thank you for all the moments we shared. I hope there are tears in your eyes as you read this, coz there are tears in mine. See you soon boo boo, until, take care and watch over all of us.

Many, many great memories of you, Robert come to mind because you were God’s faithful steward until the end of your days on earth. You were generous with all the gifts you were given. You were a leader; kind, humble, creative, and organized. 

As owners with Kathy of all the West Hawaii McDonald’s franchises, your generosity is legend. Getting up very early to setup free coffee and sweets at Charity walk, providing gift certificates to Hawaii Child Protective Services workers so they did not to take money out of their pockets to stop for a meal for children who had not been fed in their own homes, supporting Catholic Charities. 

You and Kathy, Don and I spent years together at St. Michael’s raising funds to rebuild the church and parish community center. We spent many Sundays at the golf tournament tents before and after Masses to generate golfers, volunteers and silent auction bids. Your hotdog stand at the annual St. Michael’s golf tournament was legendary for the fun to be had there was a volunteer. I’ll never forget the fundraising event for another non-profit how Don bid over you for the golfer statue that became St. Michael’s golf tournament trophy.   Even when you were no longer strong enough to be at the last golf tournament you insisted on buying the hot dogs. 

You used your membership in Knights of Columbus to connect the church community members. You asked us on the pastoral council to judge the “Keep Christ in Christmas” art contest for the students. You envisioned the get ready for summer break activities in conjunction with youth  restored order practice. It was an honor to be asked to host the book giveaway booth. 

You knew how to have fun. Thank you Robert for instituting the Knights dinner dances in the new parish hall. It was so fun being on the dance floor together you and Kathy, Don and me. 

We have been missing you  at Sunday brunch after Mass and meals with family.   We are eternally grateful that you brought us into your ohana. You will live on in our memories and hearts. 

Shirley David



My fondest memory of my brother was when he was 10 years old, he was working with our uncle Donald on the rubbish truck. Uncle Donald thought he had gotten on the truck but he wasn’t, and my uncle pulled out and Robert fell off the truck and rolled down the road. Uncle Donald started to laugh and Robert got upset, started walking him.

Maua Kea Resort, 2022.  10 year anniversary party for KBRL and Johnson & Associates.

I met Robert and Katherine in December 2008. They were the patrons of our work and travel program, I was only 19 years old and moving to another country to work in a Kailua-Kona McDonalds. I remember our crew going on a few adventures around Hawaii and Robert gladly lended us a big tent so we could camp. That small gesture ended up shaping my future, I came back to Brazil but had a dream of coming back to Hawaii as I loved the lifestyle. 5 years ago we had this opportunity and established ourselves in the island of Maui. Since then I camped many times in Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Robert’s influence will never be forgotten as I will pass that Aloha along to my newborn child. Thank you Robert. A hui hou. 
Daniel Souza

Robert loved family get togethers. He also liked a good joke especially when he gets the punch line. Bo was a hard worker from very young ( 13 yrs old). His first job was working  with Uncle Donald ( his Godfather) at Leo’s Rubbish. A day didn’t go by without an argument from those two. As I was writing this memory my 8 year old great-grandson, Carson, told me “Uncle Bo was a nice man. It’s sad we lost him so soon”. Yes Carson it is very sad. A Hui Hou , Love , Susan

I first met Robert working at McDonald's of Aina Haina in 1975. He was scary then but as time passed, he was the funniest, kindest and loving friend I know. Rest in peace friend. Aloha, Donna

Beginnings for Robert and Kathy... 
Robert as a McDonald's Assistant Manager, Dating, many Family get togethers, and saying "yes" to tying the knot... 1977. It doesn't seem long ago when our relationship started.. days, months, years and decades..

Robert was so passionate and dedicated to his McFamily. I had the privilege of working with him as an owner operator of McDonald’s and along side him as he served on many leadership organizations. 

Some of my most fond memories were when we spent time at the Sam Choy Poke Festival and golf tournament. He was very generous and really lived to help others.  

He served his church, his community, and his family with so much love and devotion. He leaves a legacy that will last for many generations. 



In remembrance of Robert, whose wisdom and intellect radiated warmth and friendship to all he encountered. His passion was palpable at our Special Eagle Banquets in Aloha Council, BSA, where we first met during my tenure at Camp Honokaia. The thoughtful actions that defined his character will be treasured in hearts quantum beyond his apparent absence. May his sterling magnanimity continue to inspire us even as we mourn his departure from this world.

Robert was a true servant leader, contributing time  talent and treasure as a Board of Director of The Island of Hawai'i YMCA. Be comforted in His hands. Mahalo.
Bobby Stivers-Apiki, retired YMCA CEO.

OBITUARY

Robert Charles Leopoldino

December 6, 1953 – April 7, 2024

Ballard Family Mortuary-Kahului

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