Robert “Bob” Milardo, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully Nov. 13, 2023, at home while surrounded by his family’s love.

Born July 4, 1943, in New Haven, Robert was the son of the late Louis and Theresa (Mackowit) Milardo. Bob was the eternal optimist. You would always hear “It can be done” from Bob, and his determination always made it work. Bob spent his childhood in Essex, Connecticut, sailing Blue Jays and Lightnings on the Connecticut River, crabbing off the piers, and learning how to fish and trap lobster. After graduating from Valley Regional High School, Bob attended Marquette University where he graduated with a degree in history from the College of Arts & Sciences and later went on to serve his country as an M.P. in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.

Following his service, Bob spent time traveling the world, including road trips through Europe and fulfilling his dream of traveling to Australia. It was in Sydney, Australia, where Bob established his career in investments and property development and met his wife, Evelyn. They later wed at the historic Garrison Church in Sydney and returned to the United States to start a family in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Bob worked in Boston as a broker at Merrill Lynch, Shearson-American Express, Gruntal, and Leerink Swann and later started his own investment business—Milardo Capital Management. Throughout his life, Bob loved sharing his knowledge of market trends and investment strategy not just with clients, but also with friends and family.

Bob had an unrivaled enthusiasm for sports, and the camaraderie and competition that accompanied them. He played basketball and ran track in his early years, and later ran the Boston and New York City marathons in the same year. He had a photographic memory and was a walking sports encyclopedia.

Bob enjoyed a life of many other hobbies, especially outdoor activities, and was a true hunter and fisherman. His preferred game were waterfowl, striped bass, bluefish, oysters, clams, and lobsters. Just as he enjoyed sharing stock market strategies, he loved to share these hobbies. His grandson knew him as “Goose” and he taught people to shuck oysters and clams at every opportunity. He loved summertime, organizing annual competitive fishing trips on the Stray Cat out of Hyannis for the honor of the Redington Striper Cup. It wasn’t actually much of a competition—Bob usually won.

He proudly shared the country’s birthday, July 4th, and could be seen driving his ’66 Mustang convertible around town. He was also a Volvo loyalist and was recognized by Volvo’s High Mileage Club with medallions on multiple occasions, most notably for hitting 400,000 miles. Groundskeeping at his home was also a hobby, even if he might not describe it that way. He became known by family, friends, and neighbors as the “Italian Gardener.” He was the family’s photographer, documenting everyday moments to special occasions, with his Minolta camera and leaving behind albums rich with memories for his family.

Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Evelyn (Lederer) Milardo of Duxbury, Massachusetts; his daughter Ashley (Milardo) Christensen, son-in-law Adam Christensen, and grandson Cameron Robert Christensen of Duxbury, Massachusetts; his sister Lynda (Milardo) Williams and nephew Rob Williams of West Chester, Pennsylvania; an uncle; cousins; and many friends in the United States and around the world.

A spring celebration of life will be held in Essex, Connecticut, and a private at-sea tribute will take place at his favorite fishing spot, “Ashley’s Wreck,” off Cape Cod next summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob can be sent to Ducks Unlimited to conserve and protect threatened waterfowl habitat throughout North America. Bob would also appreciate donating to the American Red Cross.