Monday, February 6, 2012

RIP Bob Spedalere

A few friends of the Grassroots Tavern on St. Mark's Place passed along word that Bob Spedalere, a longtime bartender there, died last Thursday. He was 65.

We don't have a lot of details, though we understand that he had been in the hospital. There is a wake today at Provenzano Lanza, 43 Second Ave., from 2-5 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m.

It's likely that you saw Bob with his beloved dog Zach walking around St. Mark's Place ... or maybe even in the Grassroots. (Zack died several years ago.)


Been a difficult time for Grassroots regulars. John Leeper, another longtime bartender there, died last November.


[Photos via Facebook]
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5 comments:

  1. Tammy McKillipFebruary 6, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    RIP, Bob. We love you and will miss you always. Thanks for so many years of good memories and fun times, for being a bartender who gave a damn, a wonderful listener, great conversationalist, NY enthusiast, sports nut, animal lover, pain in the ass curmudgeon and all around good heart. You were the heart of The Grassroots, and the place will never be the same without you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    Bob was a big Giants fan. I like to think last night was for him in my own little way. RIP Bob.

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  3. Damian BranicaFebruary 8, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    I lived right above Grassroots for many years. My band considered "our palce". I was always treated so nicely. I'm very, very saddened to hear this. Grassroots was my favorite place to go in Manhattan. Everything about the bar and the people who worked there made me feel comfortable. I thank you all and I give my deepest regards. i must stop by to ssit down and relax for a minute. Thanks for always being there.
    Sicerely,
    Damian Branica

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    RIP Bob! You will be missed. Thanks for the many years of memories. I just wish I remembered them better...Gene

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Wayne Wofford, bartender of years past, died July, 2011.

    ReplyDelete

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