Robert LaMastro
Dr. Robert LaMastro, 84, died July 30 at his home on Perico Island.
He was born in 1937 in Brooklyn, New York.
He graduated from New York University and attended the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago.
He served with honor as captain of the U.S. Air Force in the SAC unit at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
He practiced internal medicine in Rockville Centre, New York, for 35 years and retired to Bradenton, where he enjoyed the sun and surf of the Gulf waters.
He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, where he organized the foster-a-grandparent program at Anna Maria Elementary School and facilitated the Salvation Army Christmas bell-ringing campaign.
Also, “Dr. Bob” was a mentor for seven years with the Take Stock in Children program, which provides a unique opportunity for low-income youth to advance and pursue their collegiate dreams.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to him. He loved swimming, coloring and collecting solar dancing trinkets that provided an uncanny amount of happiness to his day.
His true passions were history, stamp collecting and traveling the world.
His pleasant personality was contagious and he lighted a room with his storytelling and laughter. He had a Pollyanna spirit, a smile for everyone and a wicked sense of humor.
A celebration of life is being planned. The family asks for memorials to a local food pantry.
Mr. LaMastro is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sue; six children; and six grandchildren.
Robin Mary Rhodes
Family will host a celebration of life for Robin Mary Rhodes 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.
Ms. Rhodes, of Anna Maria, was the first lady of island theater to many of those she shared the stage with and many who sat in the audience.
She died June 19 at the age of 63.
Her theatrical resume spanned decades and a range of genres.
She was born Aug. 21, 1957, in Massachusetts and grew up in Sudbury where she attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.
She was a devout Christian.
She was married several years to David McCarthy and had a daughter, Maegen McCarthy.
She came to Anna Maria to escape the harsh winters of New England.
Ms. Rhodes is survived by daughter Maegen McCarthy; sister Jan Carlson of Florida; nephews Kevin, Michael and Jack Manning of Massachusetts; niece Jennifer Moulton of North Carolina; and Buddy, “the friendliest little dog you could ever meet.”