Robert Louis Buonato, 89, of Weston, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Bob was the son of Edward William and Mildred C. (Dattalo) Buonato.
Bob was a 1951 graduate of Newton High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Valletta whom he married on May 19, 1957. After high school, Bob played semi-professional baseball with the Cardinals organization. He then served in Special Services of the US Army in Korea playing baseball for the Eighth Army.
Bob was President of Diamond Uniform, Inc. a Boston based industrial laundry company and Chairman of the Board of The Wellesley Companies, a privately owned real estate and investment company. Bob was a family man. Contented and easy going with his children, his greatest joy was spending time with Barbara and the kids after a long day's work. He was an accomplished golfer and avid sports enthusiast.
He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and will be lovingly remembered by his children Kimberly A. Buonato of Stow and Robert E. Buonato and his wife Robin of Weston; his grandchildren; Alexander P. Friedberg and his wife Marketa, Brian R. Friedberg, Barbara Abigail Buonato, Samantha Buonato, and many nieces and nephews. Bob will be missed by his loving sister Carolyn Kelley of Newton; and is predeceased by his brothers Nicholas Buonato of Westwood and Edward Buonato, Jr of Newton.
Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Dr. Corey Cutler’s Research Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute: dana-farber.org/give (please select “Family Wishes”) or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.