ROBERT SALAMONE

Robert Salamone passed on sometime in the early morning, Monday June 22, 2009.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, and wife of many years, Kathy. His stepchildren Johnny and Amanda. His mother and life partner, Cheryl and Emily. His parents Joe and Anne, and his little sister and brother Alicia and Chris. Also his much adored godchild Teenie.

Bob grew up in Chelmsford, mass. Although it always held a special place in his heart, when he found himself in Key West some 20 years ago, He breathed a deep breath and said "ahhhh, I'm home." Trying to figure out his own place in Key West, he started to bumble about pretending to be a waiter. On one particular summer day, when only tumbleweeds were meandering down Duval Street, he kicked off his shoes and was flirting and chatting with his future wife and present bartender. He was fairly relaxed, as no customers had been seen in hours. His boss was the polar opposite. In a caveman like demeanor he fired Bob. Foaming at the mouth as he sited his lack of footwear. Bob in his sly style had a card up his sleeve. He ordered a real drink, smiled, and then bounced on outta there. A few days later he swaggered back in. Announced he bought the property. Named it "Barefoot Bobs" and a key west icon was born.

Barefoot Bobs served as a local watering hole, a tourist attraction, music and social hub and a surrogate home to many. Some stayed a minute and some bonded as a life long family that is strong and still growing to this day.

On Thanksgiving Day, Barefoot Bobs would close to paying customers. Free dinner with all the fixins served to anyone that could get there. Bob taught many . . . being kind, was profit enough.

Bob was a huge history and music lover. His passion made him a literal walking, talking encyclopedia. Before there was google, there was Bob.

He loved to travel and the lure of "the road". He romanticized the beatnik poets. He had some philophosies of his own... All who wonder are not lost and our family anthem ... All the freaks dance !!

As I write this I mourn for all who are left in a world without Bob. The conch republic one soldier down. I believe Bob to be in a beautiful field with a river running through it. He is propped up on one elbow. He has an easy smile and is bobbing his head. He is surrounded by friends and loved ones who also passed too soon. Jerry Garcia is near by lost in a melody. Jack Kerouac is passing a pipe and Hunter S. Thompson is ranting on and on about social unconsciousness. Bob is happy. As for all of us? We've gained a guardian angel.

Thank you Bob ... for a real good time.

In lieu of flowers, Bob's wife and family request that you go out of you're way to be kind to someone. That you smile at a stranger. That you tell all who matter to you that you love them out loud. And when you hear some music ... you dance.

Funeral services will be in the afternoon on Friday the 26th, at the MCC Church on Petronia and will be handled by Dean Lopez Funeral home. A memorial celebrating Bob's life will be held at a time to be later announced.