In Memoriam: Bob (Raymond) Costantini

Longtime industry member Robert Costantini Sr., known by many by his professional name, Bob Raymond, has died. He was 80 years old.

The youngest son of Italian immigrants, Costantini began his career in foodservice in 1958. As Bob Raymond, he went to work for his oldest brother, Anthony, at their family business, Victory Metal Mfg., in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Costantini worked his way through the ranks at Victory, becoming sales manager before being named president. He left the company in 1979, two years after his brother’s death, and the sale of Victory to McGraw Edison Co.

That year, Costantini became president of Miami-based Shelly Mfg., an Alco Standard company.  He held the post until 1983 when he was promoted to v.p.-operations at Alco Standard’s Food Service Group, and served in that role until 1991 when Alco Standard was sold to the Welbilt Corp., recognized today as the Manitowoc Co.

“Bob was a huge presence in the foodservice equipment industry for decades, first at Victory, then at Alco and then, as one of the leading reps in the country,” said FER Publisher Robin Ashton on hearing of his passing. “We in the media loved Bob, because he believed in marketing and advertising in a big way. He was just bigger than life in almost everything he did. You should have seen his boat! His knowledge of the industry in all its complexity was unrivaled. ”

In 1992, he and his wife, Sandra, and son Michael Costantini formed a manufacturer’s rep firm, Unisource Marketing Group. Costantini helmed the Pompano Beach, Fla., firm until 2002, when the couple retired. Unisource is now run by Michael Costantini and Anthony “Chip” Costantini, a nephew who joined the family firm in 1999. 

Costantini is survived by his wife of 37 years Sandra; sons Robert Jr. and Michael; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Marc, in 1996. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be sent to warriorcanineconnection.org