ROBERT EUGENE "BOB" ALFANO

Former La Conner businessman Robert Eugene “Bob” Alfano died on Tuesday, May 13 at the age of 74 at his home in Woodinville.

Bob was born in Seattle on June 29, 1939, the fifth of 10 children born to Larry Louis and Hannah Bertha Fontaine Alfano.

He graduated from Seattle’s Franklin High School in 1957. He began his lifelong career in the grocery industry, starting as a box boy at Alberton’s Foods in 1955.

Bob worked through the ranks of the industry and went on to pursue his career with Jack Croco, the founder of QFC, as his mentor. In May 2000, Bob retired as vice president in charge of produce from QFC.

He married the love of his life, Linda L. Sariego, on August 27, 1960 in Seattle. He served in the Army National Guard as a reservist for six years in the 1960s, specializing in communications, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

In 2005 Bob and Linda realized a lifelong dream by opening La Conner Fruit & Produce Market on First Street. Their establishment, which quickly became one of the town’s most popular local gathering spots, featured fresh produce and a waterfront cafe. The “Produce Market” closed in 2011, and the building was refurbished and is now the site of the popular Nell Thorn restaurant.

During their La Conner years, Bob and Linda instituted “Spaghetti Night” every Wednesday to help raise money for the local Kiwanis Club’s youth programs.

When his children were small, Bob raised and showed Welsh ponies. He also raised and raced standard bred harness horses.

He loved spending time with his family and was affectionately known as “Poppi” to his precious grandchildren. He was a big tease and had a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Gloria Spino and Carole Norby and by his brothers Donny, Sonny, Johnny and Jimmy Alfano.

Bob is survived by his adoring wife of 53 years, Linda; his daughter and son-in-law Joyce and David Muszynski; his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Rhonda Alfano; three grandchildren Marisa and Leah Muszynski and Joe Alfano; his sister Betty Flamiatos; and his brothers Jerry and Billy Alfano.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at Life Celebrations by Washelli, 18224 103rd Ave., in Bothell.