Robert Anastario, 78, passed away on March 14, 2026 after a valiant battle with cancer. Robert was born on July 1, 1947 in Plainfield, New Jersey to Frank and Maria Anastario. Robert graduated from South Plainfield High School and immediately entered the United States Air Force.
Robert’s military career in the Air Force and the Tennessee Air National Guard spanned 39 years and included deployments to Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraqi Freedom, Rwanda, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He retired as Chief Master Sergeant at age 60. He was then blessed to be able to work on Blackhawk helicopters for a year at Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, a stint that the team of retirees referred to as “Helicopter Camp”!
Bob had a brilliant mind for mechanics and loved the challenge of making repairs. If it took a week to research something, to him that was a week well spent. He also had a passion for wrestling and competed at the State Level in high school and then also in the Air Force. He went on to coach wrestling at the Tennessee School for the Blind for many years.
In the fall of 1987, Bob bought a condo in Donelson and met a new neighbor. Robert and Jane fell in love and were devoted to each other for their thirty-seven years of marriage.
Robert is survived by his mother, Maria Anastario, who just turned 98; his wife, Jane; his son, Robert Anastario Jr.; his daughter, Lacie Waldon; his brother, Frank Anastario; his sister, Patty Lanier; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Anastario; and his brother, Dennis.
Anyone who knew Bob would agree that he had an amazing spirit of positivity and generosity. He radiated joy and had a zest for life that touched everyone he met. He was a bright light and the world will be a little dimmer in his absence.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Thursday, March 19, at Hermitage Funeral Home from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A time of visitation will also take place on Friday, March 20, at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, 3475 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will follow Friday's visitation at 12:00 pm with Pastor Matt Hill officiating. Jason Thompson, Jack Baker, Larry VanLandingham, Mark Whitt, Tony Jeanette, Jack Myatt and David Cartwright (Honorary) will serve as pallbearers. Bob will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 24, at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN, at 1:00 pm.
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