Robert A.Tavani

Robert A.Tavani

On April 6, 2022, the world lost a beautiful soul. Robert Anthony Tavani (Bob), was beloved by his children, Robert, Michelle, (son-in-law Rick Scantlebury), Marie, Michael and his grandchildren, Alicia, Lorenzo, Isaiah, Michael, Noah and Dominic, as well as many relatives and friends.

Bob Tavani, 86 of Erie, was born on June 1, 1935 to the late Angelo and Rose Gamble Tavani. He began working early, delivering newspapers, as a young boy. He was nicknamed Hercules by his childhood friends. Bob was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, class of 1954. He was employed by Copes Vulcan, then Parker/AutoClave Engineers for many years.

Bob proudly owned Tavani's Tavern at West 26th and Cascade, where his mother, Rose cooked delicious dinners and his brother, John helped at the bar. This responsibility demanded a lot of time, but it was a successful business endeavor. When he "retired," Bob found further employment, first at Wegmans, and finally at LECOM Health on West Grandview Boulevard, where he worked until he was 83 years old.

Bob was a member of both the Sunflower Club and the Sons of Italy. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Church. Dad was a loving father and papa. He had a generous spirit and a contagious smile. He was a man of few words, but always there to lend a helping hand when needed, whether it was cooking out on the grill for a celebration, umpiring for his sons' Little League games, helping with math homework, preparing the pool before summer for the grandchildren, or teaching a child or grandchild to ride a bike, or later drive a car, he was engaged with his family.

We enjoyed family vacations in Washington D.C., New York City, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois, where we visited the Arlington Racetrack and hit the daily double! We enjoyed fireworks in Lincoln Park, set to music on the Fourth of July. Mainly though, we traveled to Palm Coast Florida where our parents purchased property. Typically, we would spend Easter in Palm Coast savoring the beautiful weather.

Dad was an avid sports fan. He looked forward to golfing in Palm Coast, as well as Erie. When watching golf tournaments, he always rooted for Tiger Woods. He liked the New York Giants football team and the Boston Red Sox Baseball Team. When he was a young boy, Bob wrote a letter to Ted Williams and was thrilled to receive a response from "the greatest hitter who ever lived." For being a quiet man, he was quite vocal during sporting events! In fact, several people thought he would have been a great sports announcer. Bob enjoyed wagering a bet or two, especially during the Triple Crown, including the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont. This was a family affair. We had a lot of fun choosing horses and watching the races.

As dad and mom grew older and their children moved on, they sold their Florida property and went to Las Vegas each Spring to meet up with close relatives, Lillian, Lino, and Lynda Innocenzi and Florence and Bill Anhood. They enjoyed the shows Las Vegas offered, as well as the games of chance at either the Bellagio or Paris Hotels.

Recently, Bob enjoyed the Frank Sinatra Tribute, at the Erie Playhouse. He kept time, slapping his hand on his knee and singing along to "New York, New York." He was also fond of listening to "Summer Wind," another favorite. Before you know it, the warm days of summer will be here. Wherever you are, when you feel that summer wind, think of Bob and smile. I know he's smiling, now that he is reunited with his family and the love of his life, his wife, Maria E. Innocenzi Tavani, once again.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maria E. Innocenzi Tavani and a brother, John Tavani.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th Street. Burial will be private in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Community Blood Bank located at 2646 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16508.

Bob's family would like to thank the staff at Pleasant Ridge Manor for the exceptional care they provided him during his time there.