Robert Gene Papitto

Robert (Bob) Gene Papitto, 66, passed peacefully at Duke University Hospital with his wife Darlene by his side on February 29, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on July 4, 1957 in Chicago Heights to the late Louis and Mary Ann Papitto. His family moved when he was an infant to be near family in Boca Raton, Florida, where Bob grew up.

Bob enjoyed water skiing, bass fishing in the everglades and motor-cross racing with brother Alan and friends while growing up in South Florida. Beginning with electronic toy kits from his parents, and the influence of his grandfather who invented electronic devices, Bob’s interest in electronics was sparked at an early age.

Bob joined the Army for three years after high school. He worked at IBM while in high school and also after the Army for ten years. He completed many college classes in electronics, computers and networking, and completed many IT Certifications and vendor-specific training through his employers. He worked as a PACS Administrator at Martin Memorial Hospital, previous to that he was a Systems Analyst III (now Cleveland Clinic) and as IT Manager at South Florida Orthopedics - both located in Stuart Florida.

Since March of 2013, Bob worked as an IT Senior Analyst with the Cardiology Applications team at Duke University Health System before retiring last summer. He was a valuable team member and a mentor as well.

Bob was a very kind and gentle man. He was a loving and engaged father to his son, Greg, and daughter, Michelle. The three were very much into speed skating, and Bob also coached Michelle’s softball team. He also enjoyed solo 30-mile bike rides on the weekends.

Bob and his wife, Darlene, were very happily married for 22 years. They enjoyed a loving and caring relationship - always hand in hand. Bob was also a much loved step-dad to Amy and Chris Tammenga. Bob also enjoyed being a puppy daddy to their dachshunds Lily and Cooper, and Reesee in earlier years.

Bob and Darlene enjoyed daily walks at Sandy Creek Park with the pups, flying his drones, taking trips to the mountains and beach, and home projects. He was a big Duke basketball and football fan. Bob was also an animal lover and enjoyed watching the birds at our feeders and even built a couple nest boxes for a special squirrel family. He was truly a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor and colleague. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Darlene Papitto of Durham NC; son Greg Papitto and grandson Maverick Papitto of Ft. Pierce, FL; daughter Michelle Papitto and grandson Gionni Papitto of Port St. Lucie, FL; son Chris Tammenga of Durham, NC; daughter Amy Tammenga and son-in-law Justin Boisvert of Mebane NC; brother Alan Papitto and sister-in-law Cathy Papitto of Vero Beach FL; and brother-in-law John Slaughter of Royal Palm Beach. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Mary Ann Papitto, and sister Tina Slaughter. 

A private memorial event will be held for Bob at a later date.