Robert Gavin Bastedo, 57, was a loving son, brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and loyal friend who died way too soon on October 31, 2020 in New York City. Bob was born June 1, 1963 at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. As part of an Air Force family, he lived in Texas (twice), Alabama, and California (twice) before settling in Alexandria, Virginia in 1972.
He graduated from Fort Hunt High School as Class President in 1981 and maintained many close friendships throughout his life from that time. Bob attended The College of William and Mary for two years then returned to Northern Virginia. He tended bar while honing his stand-up comedy skills at various open mic nights in the DC area. In 2001 he moved to New York City to pursue his dream. He quickly became everyone’s favorite bartender at Shelly’s, Serendipity, Desmond’s, Uncle Jack’s, PJ Clarke’s and Kelly’s Pub.
Bob was passionate about giving to others. In Northern Virginia, he became
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Cynthia D. Addis (1977)
R.I.P. Bob..... Obit con't
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-york-ny/robert-bastedo-9885511
OBITUARY Robert BASTEDO JUNE 1, 1963 – OCTOBER 31, 2020
Bob was passionate about giving to others. In Northern Virginia, he became involved with the Springfield Challenger Baseball League. “Coach Bob” went above and beyond to give his special needs players the attention and support they deserved. Bob loved those kids and they loved him. Shortly after arriving in New York City, 9/11 happened. He immediately stepped up to volunteer at Ground Zero and recounted his experience s in his writings. When a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, Bob began participating in The Avon Walks. In addition to raising money, he would dedicate each mile in honor or memory of friends and relations affected by cancer, documenting his walks through photos and videos.
Bob loved his adopted city and was proud to show it off to anyone who came to visit. He was a diehard fan of the Washington Capitals and the NY Mets although the Orioles remained dear to his heart. He loved music and was a devotee of Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Elton John and attended concerts whenever possible. He encouraged feeding the jukebox with an eclectic mix of music but if you dared to choose disco, you were sure to get a ‘yellow card’ from Bob!
Bob never met a stranger and everyone instantly liked him. He was very loyal to his friends and family and was always willing to help, to listen or perhaps just have a beer. He had a very large Facebook following which became a platform for Bob’s Walking Tours of New York, COVID’s nightly 7pm fanfare to healthcare workers, Tasty Tuesdays and most recently health updates and commentary from his hospital bed. He kept a positive outlook until the very end, full of candor and humor.
Bob was predeceased by his father and hero, William G. Bastedo. He is survived by his mother, Mary L. Bastedo, sister Mary Ann Reid and brother in law Ervin, brother Bill Bastedo and sister in law Katy, sister Maggie Clippard and brother in law John, his beloved nieces and nephews Sarah Lasseter and her husband Patrick, great nephew Will, Ann Hancock and her husband Chip, Sam Reid and his wife Rachel, Kate Reid, Emily Bastedo, Ben Bastedo and his wife Hilary, his cousins and countless friends from all phases of his life.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather. To honor of Bob, please hug your loved ones, help a friend or have a shot of Grand Marnier! Donations to the Springfield Challenger Baseball League (c/o Eddie Garretson, 8522 Willow Bend Cr. #T4, Springfield, VA 22152) or any organization that fights breast cancer would make Bob very happy.
Fond memories may be shared at www.walterbcooke.net for the BASTEDO family.