Robert N. Primo's Obituary
Robert N. Primo, age 77, a life resident of Syracuse passed away at the Francis House on Saturday after bravely battling aggressive cancerous brain tumors.
Bob was born on Dec. 3, 1932, the second child of Carmella and Frederick Primo. His father passed away when Bob was 3 and his mother raised and provided a loving home for he and his brother, Fred. His brother had significant special needs which Bob provided care and support for from a young age.
Bob attended Prescott School and graduated from North High School in 1951, classmates fondly recall the bruising fullback who always wanted the ball. An exemplary student and all-star athlete, Bob was awarded a full scholarship to Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1955. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law.
Bob's passion for football and the opportunity it would provide to less affluent students compelled him to volunteer as assistant coach at North High School. He was a player-coach for the semi-professional Syracuse Bisons and coached the St. Peter's Keymen youth team. Bob was also head coach of the semi-pro Syracuse Stars. His favorite memories included his coaching and playing days.
Bob married his sweetheart, Mary Lavigno and remained steadfastly loyal to her for the past 54 years. He was the consumate husband, devoted to the woman he loved and adored.
Bob was truly a self-made man, with a strong religious foundation. He was uniquely independent in both his work endeavors and his charitable acts. Bob's "hobby" was earning money, particulary by using his legal knowledge and personal skills to develop real estate. Individually, or with select partners, Bob owned, developed and leased structures, including hundreds of residential units in apartment complexes located in Syracuse, Liverpool and Cortland. He acquired and developed Ponderosa Steakhouse Restaurants throughout NY. He developed, own and lease and thereafter sold several small strip commercial shopping centers. Bob and his partners also developed, owned and leased 27 sites in NY and Vermont occupied by a large regional retail drugstore chain. His work efforts of the law office which he directed were integral to assist the project owner in the development of North Medical Center and the Northeast Medical Center. However his greatest work and accomplishment was in raising and providing for his wife and children.
Family and close friends are and were of his generosity. His substantial contributions of money to individuals, needy communities and the Roman Catholic Church were routinely provided without fanfare or notoriety. He gave freely to others in need, evermindful of the hardships his mother endured in providing for he and his brother. His strong religious beliefs and faith in God guided his actions.
Bob raised his children in Sedgwick Farms, where he and Mary resided for 44 years. They enjoyed summers at Sandy Pond. Bob established the family compound where their children, grandchildren and friends would have a common place to relax and share family time. Bob also enjoyed their Singer Island, FL condominium where many Syracuse peers and neighbors also frequented. He enjoyed the special friendships and shared experiences with old and new friends in each locale.
Bob continues to be loved and survived by his wife, Mary (Lavigno) of E. Syracuse, his daughters, MaryBeth of DeWitt, Nancy (Scott) Donkel of Chicago, Patricia Anne of Bernhards Bay and Amy Anne (Michael) Burns of Baldwinsville; his sons, David (Kim) of Manlius, Steven (Elizabeth) of Manlius and John of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Alexandra, Christina, Bobby, Kimberly, Julia, Rachel, Carly, Robert Maxwell, Amy, Patrick, Mary, Lilly, John and Patrick, each of whom he treasured. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Carmella and Frederick, and recently by his older brother, Fred in December 2009.
For a man that admirably performed his natural duty as husband and father, death is as natural as sleep. A good man has passed away, but death cannot kill his good name. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday at 9:00 AM at the Family Funeral Chapel and a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Daniel's Church. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm at the Family Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or to charities of your choice that support the poor and the homeless.
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