Robert Louis Monaco Obituary 2026
Robert Louis Monaco, known to many as Bob, passed away on April 28, 2026, at his home in North Palm Beach, Florida, following a brief illness. He was 86 years old. Bob was born on May 18, 1939, in Ballston Spa, New York, to Louis and Rose Monaco.
From his earliest years, he carried a quiet determination and work ethic that would define his entire life. At eighteen, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on active duty from December 1957 through June 1962. While in Connecticut, Bob served in the Second Company, Governor’s Horse Guard, one of the oldest cavalry units in continuous service in the U.S. His service instilled in him a lasting discipline and sense of purpose that carried him through the rest of his life.
After his service, Bob set about building a remarkable career. He started as a timekeeper on the shop floor at Pratt & Whitney and, through sheer grit, talent and ambition, rose to become Chief Financial Officer of the Government Engine Business. He put himself through school while working full-time, earning his degree from Bryant College and later his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He capped his distinguished career as President of RD Amross, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and NPO Energomash, a major Russian rocket engine manufacturer. In that role, he played a critical part in the integration of the Russian-made RD-180 engine into the U.S. space program. Bob was always working, and his work took him around the world. He never came home empty-handed, always bringing back mementos from his travels to share with his loved ones.
When he wasn’t working, he was an avid golfer, a lover of art, and a passionate traveler. He adored spending time with his grandchildren, spoiling his beloved pet dogs, and supporting Big Cat Rescue—a major Florida-based sanctuary that rescues and cares for lions, tigers, and other exotic cats—a cause close to his heart. He brought the same energy and enthusiasm to his personal interests that he brought to everything else.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Monaco; his parents, Louis and Rose Monaco; and his sister, Sally Monaco. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Marc Cerniglia; his son, Robert Monaco, and his fiancée, Diana Holm; his grandchildren, Joseph Cerniglia, Olivia Cerniglia, and Anna Monaco; his sisters, Mary Lou Festa and Joanne Monaco; his brother, John Monaco; and the mother of his children, Birute (Ruth) Monaco.
