We got to know Bob during his many visits to CA to visit Victoria’s family. His passion for his grandchildren was always evident. He absolutely loved spending time with them. We would frequently meet them at the park or see them downtown. I remember Bob for his great big personality and passion for singing. He was always a huge hit when he was in town and we always enjoyed his charismatic personality.  My favorite memory is being with him at a restaurant when he would stand up and sing his favorite Frank Sinatra song for everyone to enjoy! It was wonderful and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.  It’s a special memory for me. 

After meeting and becoming fast friends with Victoria during our early college days, I was invited to her family’s home in Oyster Bay for my first foray into NYC.  Her Dad, determined to show this Virginia girl what the city was all about, invited us to the restaurant atop the World Trade Center.  To me at the time, it was as if he owned the place—knew everybody there, told stories about famous people and all that we could see below, and made sure I checked out the fabulous restroom decor.  I remember thinking that the mayor himself had nothing on Mr. Manta - he was the coolest dude in New York!  May you cherish the many great memories of this wonderful father, husband, and friend ❤️

Today Mister (That was my nickname to him since day 1) would have turned 85. I was honored to know him for 7 years. we spend a lot of time and we created lots of memories throughout the years. He loved to go out and eat. Sashimi was his favorite meal. Attending the smiths center was a great experience. He LOVED singing when we were driving.  The minute I played Frank Sinatra, Mister sang along. We watched Just about every movie that played at the movies. He was a people's person - he could start a conversation with anyone. He was charismatic, smart and funny. He will be missed. Happy birthday Mister. 

Unfortunately I only got to spend a few days with  you but the smile I got from you when I walked in the room was the best! RIP

He is a wonderful  client  and love his smile especially when you offer him a fudge pop,that will definitely put a smile on his face RIH 💔

I and my daughter, Heather,  spent many celebrations with Mary
ann and  Ron Chamides and  Bobby and Helen and their girls.  Heather adored Uncle Bobby.  He was an old-fashioned gentleman and we remember him fondly.


Out with Stephanie enjoying a good breakfast. Love that SF Giants shirt!

My Uncle Bobby grew up in the same small house in Astoria Queens, with not only his parents and his sister, but an extended family of 2 cousins, 3 uncles, 1 aunt and a matriarchal grandmother.  My mother and her sister, my Aunt Mary Ann, were raised all together with Bob and his sister Carol, in what by any standard, was far closer to siblings, than cousins.

Bob was the oldest and the only boy among the group, and as was often the case in those days, was fawned over and adored by many of the women in the house.  Which, I am certain was at times, seen as an annoyance by the young girls in the house.
On the other hand, he was smart and charming, and naturally drew people in, and while he could certainly tease and give it out, he was fiercely loyal and loving to his sister and his cousins.

When I was a child, my Uncle and his own family, my cousins and Aunt Helen, were a regular fixture in my extended family landscape.  I remember my Uncle fondly, he was always so interested in all of us kids.  He went out of his way to connect and to tell all of us how much he loved us.  
He was very sweet.

My Uncle had a big character.  
He was devoted to the music and swagger of Frank Sinatra far beyond any fangirl.  
His dedication as a crooner so great, that it appeared possible, he believed himself to be a continuation of Sinatra’s legacy here on earth.  The really cool thing about this though, was just how much he owned it.  He was constantly channeling and living in the music.  
It made him so happy and it was beautiful.

We will all miss you Uncle Bobby!

Grandad was a gentle, sweet man with a radiating personality and an endearing temperament. I remember being little and the excitement of Grandad and Memaw coming to visit - he expressed love through presents, sharing his love of music with us through the movie “Melody Time“ and through his passion of space and Frank Sinatra. He loved to sing and made people happy - we’d for sure find him serenading restaurant staff, brightening their day as only “Bobby Blue Eyes” could. Grandad bought me my first drum set and I am proud to also be a vibraphonist in his image. I’m proud to be named after him, as he would fondly and lovingly call me “Jake Robert”, and hope he will be proud of the life I will continue live.

On Sunday after he passed, I went to the beach and stood in the water when one beautiful, blue tropical fish swam right in front of me. I could only smile as I knew that there is “more in heaven and on earth” than we could ever know in life 🎼💙🎶

My most treasured memories of Uncle Bobby is when he dressed as Santa every Christmas Eve. He was the best Santa and really took the job very seriously. No one was better. Love you Uncle Bobby. ❤️ Christine 


OBITUARY

Robert J. Manta

March 1, 1937 – February 20, 2022

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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