Robert B. Daidone, 68, formerly of Camden, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Palmetto, Florida, on June 4, 2025. Born on June 16, 1956, in Queens, New York, to Eileen and Peter Daidone, he was raised in East Meadow and went on to graduate from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Individualized Studies, specializing in Government Acquisition and Procurement.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Brian and Dennis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Dawna Daidone; his daughters, Jacqueline Haroon (Luqman) of Dubai and Tiffany Morrison (Geoffrey) of North Carolina; and his cherished grandchildren: Laila, Amaya, Idress, and Noorah Haroon, and Ella and Carleigh Morrison. He is also survived by his siblings Karen Daidone (Lenny Goldstein), Barbara (Paul) Caci, and Paul Daidone, as well as his nieces and nephew.
Bob once said the only true miracle in this world was that of childbirth. He was blessed with six grandchildren who will deeply miss his wisdom, his guidance, and his passion. Bob enjoyed a long and successful career, never one to shy away from a challenge. He delayed retirement more than once for "one last project."
Passionate and deeply dedicated to his work family, he was especially proud of his role at L3Harris. As Director of Operations for Missile Defense, he was widely respected as an expert in the management of energetic materials facilities, overseeing the production of critical rocket motors for the U.S. Department of Defense.
He was a lifelong learner and an avid reader, a man of quiet strength and deep humility with an unwavering sense of responsibility. Bob was a natural leader and mentor to many. His compassion, generosity, and sense of humor left lasting impressions on all who knew him. He made a meaningful connection with everyone who crossed his path and leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity.
Bob pursued life with intensity and joy. Whether horseback riding, hiking, photography, swimming, cycling, cooking, paddleboarding, or soap-making, he approached every hobby with determination and purpose. He didn't just try things-he mastered them. An endlessly curious and generous teacher, Bob especially loved sharing his passions with his grandchildren. From building and launching rockets to creating backyard ziplines, he found joy in making science and engineering come alive. A trip wasn't complete without a museum visit-often to his grandkids' dismay-but he always sweetened the deal with ice cream.
True to form, he pursued every interest with both enthusiasm and discipline. He was an auto mechanic, a certified master and rescue diver, a skilled photographer, an MEIR-licensed pilot, and the proud captain of Into the Mystic-his 43-foot sailboat that he meticulously refurbished and loved sailing in the Gulf of America.
Bob wished for a reef burial at sea with no carbon footprint. Arrangements are underway to include his family, friends, and work family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor to Suncoast Aqua Ventures would be greatly appreciated (See Donation link below).
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
