Robert Rigamonti(1950-2013)

Robert Anthony Rigamonti, raised in San Francisco, was the only child of Blanche and Gino. Robert was an artist, actor, Buddhist, yoga teacher/therapist, writer, motorcyclist, carpenter, adventurer, and magnificent host. He began San Francisco State University in 1968, acted in local theatre, and joined the long running Equity production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. With the intention of broadening his acting career, Robert moved to Manhattan but took a respite to become a member of the first class of male stewards hired by Pan American World Airways. After his departure from Pan Am, he returned to acting and lived in Manhattan Plaza for 14 years. He made his Broadway debut as Stage Manager and actor in a revival of Filumena at the St. James Theatre. The play was directed by Lawrence Olivier when original director, Franco Zeffirelli, withdrew. Robert directed and acted in television, theater, film and was a successful commercial actor. At 38, Robert relocated to Los Angeles and in 1989 he was sought for the job of Theater Manager for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Robert flourished in this role for many years and was well loved by his staff. He remained in this post until his death in Los Angeles on April 25, 2013. Robert is survived by an army of friends, by his beloved dogs Piccina and Bella, his partner and friend Timothy Smith, his cousins Lisa Schofield and Karen, Lauren and Sara Guidotti, and family in Pennsylvania and Italy.