Robert M. Proto, Jr. of Boynton Beach, Florida passed unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at the JFK Memorial Center, Atlantis, FL. Born in New Haven on May 3, 1959; beloved son of Carmel “Honey” DeFrancesco Proto of North Haven and the late Robert M. Proto, Sr. Robert was noted as a “Miracle Baby” in 1959 Medical Journals because he was not expected to survive his birth. From that time, he lived each day fully and with child-like enthusiasm. He turned his childhood habit of being the Monopoly game banker into reality, and became Vice President of Retail Operations for Bank United in Miami, Florida. Some may remember him in his earlier years as the fastest-serving bartender in Branford. Robert was a gifted pianist, he loved his toys, his dogs, Chulo and Pichu, and Disney World, where his frequent visits made him well-known to staff and performers alike. He was much loved, and will be sorely missed. Brother of Roberta Urbano of Northford and Michael Proto of North Haven. Nephew of Ralph (Marie) DeFrancesco and Matilda “Millie” DeFrancesco all of North Haven. Uncle of Dominic (Lisa) Urbano and Erica (Jose Segui) Urbano. Great-Uncle of Gioia Segui, Mario and Dante Urbano. Also survived by his two special friends in Florida, Frank Proto and Sergio Silva. Predeceased by his brother-in-law Mario Urbano, a niece, Tracy Urbano and grandparents, Gaetano DeFrancesco, Carmel Santore DeFrancesco LeClair, Henry LeClair, Antonio Proto and Maddalena DelAlessandra Proto.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, TN 38105.
Our thouhts and prayers are with Robert and his family. May happy memories comfort you during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Rob…I adored him. Rob made me laugh so much… He had a unique way of finding humor in everything…On a professional level, Rob was a brilliant banker, well respected, a go to person, mentor and advisor to so many people…I have many colleagues with whom I have worked over my 27 year banking career, but Rob was also a friend… A man with a most caring heart…To know Rob was to love him…My deepest condolences to his Mom and family…May each of you find comfort in knowing the difference Rob made in the lives of those so blessed to know him…I am a better person because my life and career were touched by Rob…Rest in peace my friend!!!
My sincerest condolences go out to Rob's family. I am truly sorry that your family and everyone who knew him have lost such a wonderful person. Rob had a tremendous impact on my life both professionally and personally. But, I will most remember him as a friend. We had many long talks about family, current events, what we watched on TV and life in general. We shared a love for shopping which led to endless conversations. He always had the best stories about people he ran into at gas stations or at Target. I would tell him that I would keep his stories in a "This only happens to Rob" file. On a professional level, Rob was a caring, understanding and encouraging boss. He was tough, but fair. I will never forget what he taught me. I will never forget Rob. May he rest in peace.
Carmel, Roberta & Michael, we are very sorry to hear about our cousin Robert and our sincere sympathies are with you . We will pray for him and your family and we are sorry that we did not have an opportunity to meet someone who was so well respected and liked as he was.
God Bless him.
Always remember you at the Checking Dept of Fidelity Federal Bank, West Palm beach all over the place doing your banking duties, may you rest in peace, my deepest condolences to the family
I echo all that Ellen has shared. He was truly a special man and great friend. Rob was a brilliant banker, dependable and always true to himself. The loss is great. We will never forget Rob and so thankful for the time we shared with him. Reset in peace, my friend.
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I am writing on the passing of Rob. Professionally Rob was an amazingly accomplished person who knew everything! He was always willing to help, answer questions, and offer solutions. Every day for the last 12 months he would walk into the office and brighten my day just by saying "Good Morning"! Rob you will be truly missed by all who were blessed to have you in their lives. Our office for sure will never be the same, but your legacy will live on through all of us. I promise! My condolences to his family during this difficult time. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers. Rob my friend may you rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of working with Rob every day and I feel blessed to have had him in my life. His sense of humor and caring ways will be missed more than words can say. We had so much in common. We shared Italian food recipes and our mutual caring about our family and friends. We talked about our pets and how we couldn't imagine our lives without them. I realize knowing Rob was a gift and I will always treasure the friendship that I had with him. Priceless. My condolences are being sent to all his family and friends.
Rob was a truly great co-worker and more than anything very supportive friend. He always was their when you needed a friend and advice. When my Mom passed, Rob reminded me that I have a friend, when I took on a new position at another company, Rob checked in to make sure I was doing well. I was blessed to meet such a great man and friend and knowing Rob he is saying okay okay enough. Thank you for the laughs, helping me try understand banking and for being a trusting friend. Many blessings on your new journey brother. Your friend Shawn.
Michael and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your brother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly, Jo
I remember the first day I met Rob Proto 2 plus years ago when joining BankUnited. His first meeting with us and all I could say was OMG..Not only did he make you laugh you knew at the same time he was passionate about what he did and a book of knowledge. I was bblessed to know him the short time I did and he will be missed. Heaven has gained another angel. Rest in Peace Rob.
Mike and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Rob was taken from this world much too young but we should have comfort in knowing he is in a good place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time. Rob always had great stories that would make everyone laugh. He will be missed.
Rob was an amazing man to know. He looked out for you no matter what, was down to earth and funny. He will be missed here.
Rob was truly an amazing person who touched the lives of many. He will be missed terribly. While I only had the pleasure to know and work with Rob for a short period of time; I instantly felt as though I had known him for years. His great sense of humor and passion will always be remembered. May the many happy memories remain with us all and may he rest in peace knowing the difference he made with each of us.
I am so sorry and ad to hear bout Rob's passing. He was the funniest, nicest person that I had the pleasure to work with at Fleet Bank. He will be missed so much. I remained close to Rob after he moved to Florida. He would still make me laugh so much. So very sad.