Robert Angelo Benvin (October 2, 1937 – November 21, 2016) was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and an exceptional athlete. He left this world surrounded by the love of his family in Delray Beach, Florida, leaving a legacy of kindness, dedication and passion for life.
Island roots and Italian years
Robert was born on October 2, 1937, to John and Ana Benvin in Vrana, on the island of Cres in Croatia. He was one of eleven children, with six brothers and four sisters, and shared a deep bond with them all his life. As a young boy he moved to Como, Italy, where he spent ten formative years, then completed high school and two years of college in Varese.
A new life in America
In 1956 Robert emigrated to the United States, where he found his calling in racquet sports. He trained as an assistant tennis professional under Jan Kozeluh in Charleston, West Virginia, and later under the legendary champion Doris Hart in Spring Lake, New Jersey.
Serving his country
In 1960 Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served six months at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and eighteen months in Göppingen, West Germany. His service gave him a deep sense of patriotism, resilience and camaraderie that stayed with him all his life.
Squash, tennis and Century Sports
Returning to civilian life in 1963, Robert became the squash professional at the Rockaway Hunting Club in Cedarhurst, New York, and a tennis professional at the Atlantic Beach Club. Wilson Sporting Goods then hired him as its tennis and squash representative for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He later co-founded Century Sports, Inc., which he ran successfully for twenty-five years.
A fierce competitor, Robert reached the top of the squash world: in 1980 he was ranked No. 1 in the United States and No. 2 in the world.
A love story
Robert met his soulmate, Dorina, on the Fourth of July in New York. They married on November 6, 1966, in Mali Lošinj, Croatia, and built a beautiful life together on love, respect and shared values. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on November 6, 2016.
Father and Nonno Bob
Robert’s greatest pride was his children. He instilled strong family values in his daughter Michelle, who built a wonderful family of her own, and he devoted himself to coaching his son Richard, who went on to play professional tennis. His favorite title was “Nonno Bob”, the name given to him by his grandsons, Mason and Robert Mayotte.
A man of many passions
Robert loved the ocean. An avid fisherman and boater, he found peace in the waves and often walked miles along the beach, lost in thought. He loved reading and good conversation, and he always spoke up against injustice. Selfless, honest, humble and generous, he was a beloved friend, mentor and role model.
Timeline
- 1937
Born October 2 in Vrana, on the island of Cres, to John and Ana Benvin, one of eleven children.
- Youth
Ten years in Como, Italy; high school and two years of college in Varese.
- 1956
Emigrates to the United States; assistant tennis pro under Jan Kozeluh and Doris Hart.
- 1960
Drafted into the U.S. Army: Fort Dix, New Jersey, then Göppingen, West Germany.
- 1963
Squash pro at the Rockaway Hunting Club; tennis pro at the Atlantic Beach Club.
- 1960s
Tennis and squash representative for Wilson Sporting Goods in NY, NJ and CT.
- 1966
Marries Dorina on November 6 in Mali Lošinj, Croatia.
- Century Sports
Co-founds Century Sports, Inc. and runs it for twenty-five years.
- 1980
Ranked No. 1 in the United States and No. 2 in the world in squash.
- 2016
Celebrates 50 years of marriage on November 6; passes away peacefully in Delray Beach on November 21.
Services
A funeral mass was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida. Robert was laid to rest with military honors at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorina Benvin; his son, Richard Benvin; his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and James Mayotte; his grandchildren, Mason and Robert Mayotte; and his brothers and sisters Nick, Lucky, Teresa, Atillia and Maria.
Robert Benvin’s legacy of love, integrity and passion for life lives on through his family, his friends and the many lives he touched. Rest in peace, Robert. Your spirit will always shine bright.