Robert G Conidaris' Obituary
Anything else, please let me know Robert Conidaris Robert Conidaris, Sr., (Epaminondas in Greek) born Sept. 30, 1931, lovingly referred to as “Mr. C” around the world – especially around his legendarily iconic Lani Kai Island Resort on Fort Myers Beach, has led a life full of strength, determination and love. He started his life as a child raised during the Great Depression in Brooklyn/Sheepshead Bay, NY, with three older siblings and two younger. Ever since he was a young boy, Bob worked hard to provide for his mother and siblings in a horribly rough economy, shining shoes for nickels and dimes, selling newspapers to passers-by on the NY streets, bringing home any change he could to help the family (except maybe spend a nickel or two at the candy shop on the way home to share with his mom, as he lovingly admitted with a smile and a wink when he was in his early 90s). As a young boy, he landed a job as a page for NBC, having the opportunity to meet several celebrities and movie stars, something he really enjoyed. He soon got into sports and took a real liking to boxing, was the youngest kid to become part of the NYPD’s youth boxing academy, and even won the Golden Gloves in Madison Square Garden as a young teenager. He was always one to stand up for the “little guy” against the “tough guys.” As an older teenager, he joined the military and ended up in the Korea conflict. Stationed in Geneva, NY, while home on leave, he ended up at a GI dance, where he met a beautiful, vibrant woman who would soon become his wife, Grace. The two had a wonderful courting, and they married April 16, 1955, where, over the course of several years, the loving pair had eight children, who over the course of time, had 25 grandchildren and currently 24 great-grand-children, with three more on the way in a matter of months. Bob continued to learn and expand his knowledge in the construction industry, operating as the largest contractor in the area with Crown Asphalt in Rochester, NY, designing many roads, infrastructure and building developments throughout New York until he and Grace ended up in Florida for another construction project, immediately fell in love with Fort Myers Beach, and decided to custom build a seven-story beachside hotel in 1977-78 that would become the iconic Lani Kai Island Resort, named for Grace’s love of Hawaii. While running the hotel, he continued to develop real estate throughout Southwest Florida for decades. Every day, multiple times a day, for decades, Bob enjoyed roaming the halls and venues of his hotel, greeting guests and treating their little ones to dessert and ice cream (as long as they said it was okay). As he would say, “I always like offering the children dessert, because if I buy a drink for the parents, they can’t share it with their kids, BUT if the children get dessert, they can share with their parents (if they want to).” It was his way of ensuring the younger generations had the chance to enjoy tasty treats like ice cream, as it was something so tough to afford when he was growing up. Over the years, his hotel continued to prosper and thrive, and Bob continued to grow several friendships that have lasted a lifetime. The countless philanthropic endeavors and donations he and Grace imparted on both their New York and Florida communities for generations were vast, always determined to help those in need, whether it be a non-profit charity, orphanage, church or individual member of the community. He’s a man who started his life with very little, and over time, with so much determination, knowledge and foresight, managed to build a comfortable and prestigious life – but he never forgot where he came from – never forgot his roots, his family, always shared those tough experiences from which he grew, always shared his prosperity and wealth with his community, and fully instilled his knowledge, willpower and determination into his ever-growing family. Bob may have left this earth physically, in peace, surrounded by his family and loved ones, but he will always be remembered for the true love of his family, his dear friends and his community that he proudly stood by and supported all his life. May his memory, and his legacy, forever be eternal. Bob is survived by his sister, Libby (Matthew); his eight children and their spouses, Peter (Char), Diane (Donna), Robert Jr. (Melissa), Linda (Jimmy), Michael (Ann), Joe (Sandy), Kenny (Kathy) and Mary Grace (Bernie, Sr.); his grandchildren, Carrianne Conidaris,
Rachel Conidaris, Lauren Conidaris, Ryan Conidaris, Robert Conidaris, Jamie Conidaris, Jennifer Conidaris, Allie Conidaris, Miranda Conidaris, Holly Gelardi,
Jimmy Gelardi, Samantha Gelardi, Joe Conidaris, Justin Conidaris, Josh Conidaris, Julie Conidaris, Kaitlin Conidaris, Kenny Conidaris, Krystal Conidaris, Kasey Conidaris,
Leah DeJesus, Lydia DeJesus, Bernard DeJesus, Frankie DeJesus, and Anthony DeJesus; and 24 great-grandchildren, not to mention many nieces, nephews and other loved ones who hold his love so greatly. Bob is predeceased by his mother Irene, father George, stepfather Peter (Papa), twin sisters, Ann and Kay, brothers Apollo and Matthew (Mike), and wife and love of his life, Grace.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
