Robert E. DiCarlo, age 91 of Mentor, formally of Painesville, Ohio passed away Saturday May 2nd at Governor’s Point Mentor, Ohio.

Bob was born in Morgantown, West Virgina on February 10, 1935, to Teresa and Guy DiCarlo. Bob with his family moved to Painesville, Ohio in 1948. He attended St. Mary’s Painesville Catholic school where in the 7th grade he met his future wife, Jean. He was a 1954 graduate of Harvey High School. Post graduation in August 1954 Bob joined the Navy and was stationed on the USS Iowa. In 1956 he married Jean and relocated temporarily to Philadelphia. Upon leaving the Navy in 1958 they returned to Painesville where he worked alongside his dad at DiCarlo’s Grocery Store “The College Corner” at 58 Elm Street. After a short stint at Fisher Body, in 1961 Bob began his entrepreneur life and being a “self-made” businessman, he reopened Painesville Wine Shop. In 1972 he and wife Jean alongside family, purchased and operated Grand River Food Mart till 1982. Upon the selling of GRFM he incorporated DiCarlo’s of Northeast Ohio, a Quality Snack Food Distributor, selling it to Bob II in 1993 to carry on the family legacy. In 1995 Bob built Lakeshore Mini Storages that he managed independently till age 90 when declining healthy necessitated family support.

Bob and his wife Jean were founding members of St. Gabriel Church in Concord. Bob had many interests. In his earlier years he was on several golf and bowling leagues. With his “gift for gab” Bob was never short on tales of his various life experiences, whether it be from his adventures in the Navy, or “Always the Gambler”, where the Las Vegas Strip was his “playground” or sharing the love of his extensive antique car collection. As a car collector Bob was a member of various car clubs, LCOC, AACA, Lincoln Continental Club, Chevrolet Club, Mercedes Club and FOMOCO. Bob began his collection of over 60 cars with his first purchase of a 41 Lincoln Coup. One of his most prized possessions was his1942 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. Along with his wife Jean, Bob showed this car at car shows across the country earning first place trophies and Best of Show many times. Other cars of interest he had in his collection included a 40 Chevy Truck, 57 Ford Ranchero, 54 Lincoln Convertible and a1956 DeSota. In 2022 his 42 Lincoln was showcased at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Father’s Day Car Show, and his 1956 DeSota will be in the showcase circle this coming Father’s Day. His favorite pastimes were taking one of his many cars out on a cruise and attending many of the local car shows including Painesville Friday Night Car Cruise, Eastlake Blvd of Flags, Annabelles, and Willoughby Cruise In.

A big shout out to grandson Michael, of whom “grandpa” passed down his love of cars to. He supported his grandfather in maintaining his fleet, which allowed him, especially during his later years, to continue to enjoy his car collection as he could pick one up and go at will. In addition, during Bob’s last year, and as his health permitted, Bob II would take his dad to a local car show, and Michael with wife Sara would make sure “grandpa” had a car to show and enjoy.

Grandchildren David, wife Lori and Ryan cherished the many family dinners full of laughter and stories shared across the table, and what a blessing that this past December, Bob was able to meet great granddaughter Rhylee. On any given day you could find Bob enjoying “fine” dining at Sammy’s Restaurant in Grand River, turning into a family affair often accompanied by Bob and Terri.

Bob is survived by his children, Teresa A. “Terri” (Dave) Durst and Robert E. “Bob” (Tammy) DiCarlo II; grandchildren, Michael (Sara) DiCarlo, David (Lori) Durst and Ryan Durst; Great Granddaughter, Rhylee Durst (daughter of David and Lori); Son in Law, Brad Bayer, Brother, Guy DiCarlo, Sister-in-Law, Simone Brewster. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as blessed with many close friends, with a special acknowledgement to lifelong friend, Geri Moritz.

Bob was proceeded in death by wife of 63 years, Jean; daughter, Lori DiCarlo Bayer; grandson, Eric Durst; parents, Teresa and Guy DiCarlo; Parents in law, Ann and Maynard Brewster; Brother, Edward D. DiCarlo; Sister-in-Law, Pat DiCarlo and Brother-in-Law, James Brewster.

We would like to thank the staff at Governor’s Pointe and hospice Reserve Care for the excellent care provided to Bob during these past few months.

Family and friends will be received 4:00 -7:00 PM Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 Noon, Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township. A private family inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Painesville, Ohio at a later date.

“the beauty of a life well lived never dies…it continues to embrace and inspire us”.