Born on May 12, 1940 in New York City, he was the youngest son of the late Francesco Antonio Nardi and Caterina Mona Nardi.
Bob was an honorable veteran of the United States Army and worked as a self-employed carpenter by trade. He was a fisherman at heart and took great pleasure in designing and creating his own “tackle belt.” He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: reading a good book and enjoying his wife’s cooking.
Bob was a devoted family man. His family was the center of his life, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Those who knew Bob will remember his wonderful sense of humor. He was always laughing, telling jokes, and playing tricks on those around him, bringing joy and laughter wherever he went.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carmen Nardi; his three children, Yvette Rosenthal, Christine Rusk (Chris), and Dave Nardi (Jacqueline); ten grandchildren, Ricky Nelson Rosenthal,Jr., Sean Rosenthal, Bridgette-Danielle Osborn (Duane), CJ Rusk, Noelle Rusk, Cody Rusk, Coulton Rusk (Chloé), Grace Schnarr (Trent), Charles Rusk, and Sophia Nardi; great-grandchildren Eden Schnarr, Connor Rusk, a new sibling for each in October, and a grandchild and great-grandchildren meeting him in heaven; brother-in-law Herman Platas; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank Nardi and Mona Giuliano, his brother-in-law Steve Giuliano and two of their children, Steven and Mona.
Above all, Bob knew that we are saved by grace, not by works, and trusted in his Savior, Jesus Christ, for his salvation. He was most comforted by listening to hymns and sermons in his last days. Ephesians 2:8,9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. ”
The family would also like to express their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and staff of Runk & Pratt Daytime Adult Day Center, Heartland Hospice, and Visiting Angels.
The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. for an hour on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel (7404 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502),with the funeral service following afterwards. Pastor Larry Brodie will be officiating, and an interment at Spring Hill Cemetery (3000 Fort Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24502) will follow the service.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider www.MarkCahill.org, a Christian ministry that has been a blessing to the Nardi family.
