Robert "Bahama Bob" Urzi

Plum Island resident, Robert Urzi, better known in his local community as “Bahama Bob”, passed on to rock and roll heaven on July 5, 2022, at age 71, just hours after playing a show at a local Fourth of July holiday gathering which included some of the areas most distinguished musicians.

 Robert Urzi was born on July 1, 1951, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, son of the late Onofrio (John) Urzi and Anna (DeFrancesco) Urzi.  He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and Merrimack College. 

 Bob was employed by for over 30 years by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) as a state social worker. Past Local 509 chapter president Ray Milloy said Bob was “Good with clients. Had a heart. Treated them well. At conferences he would play guitar, have fun, put joy in others’ lives.”

 However, it was his alter ego Bahama Bob as local musician in the area music scene that endeared him to all. A high energy band leader with stage presence and a trademark “raise your glasses for a SOCIAL DRINK!” Bahama was a mentor to the up and coming musicians and leader and contributor to some of the coastal Salisbury, Newburyport and Plum Island area best bands for over 50 years.

 Bryan Eaton, former photographer for the Newburyport Daily News said “I go back with Bahama over 35 years and got to know him well when he was one of the front men, along with Pat Buckley, of the Banzai Beach Cafe Band that performed in the late 80's at Mr.K's at Salisbury Beach and other venues. He dubbed me the bands ‘official photographer.’ Bob had a talent for making the fans of his various bands over the years feel like part of the band. Indeed, he surrounded himself with other talented musicians always putting the spotlight on them. Always an upbeat man there is definitely a void in the ‘social’ scene in the Greater Newburyport are now that he's gone.”

 Local guitar hero Frank Crivello who lead a boat cruise scheduled to include Bahama Bob on Saturday July 9 noted, “He was my big brother, my music partner and a true showman.  He would say, when people ask ‘what do I play’? …. I play the crowd’. A true entertainer. I love and miss him.”

 From PI’s Gail Mercier: "What I loved most about Bob was how he cared for his friends, his ability to bring people together, his generosity, as well as his way of spreading joy, laughter and music.  He really embraced life -- getting the most out of every moment."

 Bob is survived by a son, Jon Urzi, and many beloved cousins.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday July 18, 2022 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Celebration of life will be announced at a later date. THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME PER ORDER OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.

 Donations may be made in his name to the music program at Boys and Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley 18 Maple Street PO Box 5906 Salisbury, MA 01952 Or via the website https://www.bgclmv.org/

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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