Robert James "Bob" Lario

Robert James “Bob” “Blackie” Lario, a beloved member of the Paonia community, passed away at his home on Stucker Mesa on December 10, 2025, at the age of 79.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2026, at Big B’s, where friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and remember a life well-lived.

Bob was born June 20, 1946, in Philadelphia to Anna and Michael Lario, Bob spent his early years in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. He graduated from Bishop Eustace High School before continuing on to St. Joe’s University and later the University of California–Berkeley, where he earned his degree in Biology.

Bob eventually found his way to Colorado’s Western Slope, settling in Paonia—his home for the past 55 years. It’s here that he built both a career and a community. As owner and broker of RE/MAX Mountain West, Bob spent decades helping people find their place in Delta County.

Bob married Linda Kingsley on September 27, 2003 and together they shared 22 wonderful years. Those who knew Bob will remember his love of his family, golf, his loyalty to the Denver Broncos, and his enthusiasm for good food, good wine, and even better company. He had a gift for laughter and a genuine joy for life that touched everyone around him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Paonia; his son Dylan (Lizzie) Lario of Broomfield, Colorado; his daughter Chelsea (Sean) Armstrong of Salem, Oregon; and his grandchildren Sofi a Lario, D.J. (Courtney) Lario, and great-grandchildren Harper and Braxton Lario.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anna Lario; his brother, Michael; and his first spouse, Susan Lario.

The family encourages all who knew and loved Bob to attend his Celebration of Life in April 2026 — a time to honor his memory the way he would have wanted: surrounded by friends, sharing stories, and raising a glass to a full and joyful life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the North Fork Children’s Christmas Party. You may deposit your donation at United Business Bank in Hotchkiss, Paonia, or Crawford. These banks have an account in the name of “North Fork Children’s Christmas Fund”. Or if you wish, you may send donations to: North Fork Children’s Christmas Party, PO Box 508, Crawford, CO 81415. Please make checks payable to North Fork Children’s Christmas Party.