Robert Victor Vanucchi

Known by family and friends as Bobby Van, he was born in Flushing, New York on May 2nd, 1938. He is predeceased by his beloved mother, Elizabeth Vanucchi, father Victor Vanucchi and step-mother Cathy Vanucchi. Survived by daughter Jennifer Dolan, son-in-law Thomas Dolan, grandsons Brandon, Riley and Lucas, brother Rory Vanucchi, sister Lana Vanucchi, cousins Carolynn and Kenneth Strone, Richard and Bruce Gaffney, Larry, Gary and Wayne Vanucchi, Karen Villante as well as many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Robert was raised in Long Island, New York and then in Tannersville, New York where he excelled in both basketball and baseball, and was a Central High School All Star Athlete. He also excelled in skiing, horseback and bull riding, spending many years working on his father’s Hideaway Ranch in the Catskills. After some time in college and a year in the military, Bobby moved to New York City where he began his career as an entrepreneur and businessman. His innovative ideas and larger than life personality brought to life many iconic establishments for entertainment and social gathering. One of his first ventures in the Big Apple was Table Talk, an ice cream parlor with phones on all the tables so patrons could call guests at other tables. He also opened Dudes and Dolls, Ginza, The Jet Set and the famous Bachelors III. Bachelors was a popular supper club in the city opened with partners Joe Namath and Ray Abruzzese frequented by many celebrities including Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra. In 1972, Bobby and his partners brought Bachelors III to Fort Lauderdale opening its first location on Sunrise Blvd. Following the success of Bachelors, Bobby followed with Mr. Pips, Mr. Laffs, Oscar’s Saloon, several additional Bachelors locations, Rosebuds and the world famous spring break hot spot, The Candy Store. Bobby Van brought great entertainment to Fort Lauderdale including famous performers Frankie Valli, The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters, Four Tops, Charo, Al Green, The Righteous Brothers, Phyllis Diller, Ricky Nelson, Mary Wilson, Ben Vereen and many more. Many consider him a pioneer in the entertainment industry and fondly remember great times in the good old days at many of his different establishments.

In his final days, Bobby resided in Pompano Beach, always known for wearing his trademark hat, enjoying time with friends and family, watching basketball games, and his yearly tradition of seeing Frankie Valli perform live.

The family will have a memorial service to celebrate his life at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local business struggling due to the pandemic. Bobby was always generous to help others in need and supporting a local restaurant, bar, server or entertainer in need due to current conditions would be a great way to honor his memory.