The founder of the iconic Fort Myers Beach island resort, Lani Kai, died on Thursday evening surrounded by his family.
The resort announced the passing of Robert Conidaris, Sr., lovingly known as “Mr. C,” who died peacefully Wednesday evening surrounded by family.
According to the resort, Conidaris was born on Sept. 30, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up during the Great Depression. The island resort said as a child, he worked tirelessly to support his family, shining shoes and selling newspapers to bring home what he could, often treating his mother to a small candy shop surprise on the way home.
"As a young boy, he landed a job as a page for NBC, having the opportunity to meet several celebrities and movie stars, something he really enjoyed.He soon got into sports and took a real liking to boxing, was the youngest kid to become part of the NYPD’s youth boxing academy, and even won the Golden Gloves in Madison Square Garden as a young teenager," the resort said on Facebook .
Conidaris' life of service began when he entered the military and served during the Korean War. The resort said that's when he met the love of his life, Grace, at a GI dance. The two married in 1955 and built a family that grew to include eight children, 25 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, with three more reportedly on the way.
The resort said Mr. C then transitioned from boxing to construction, becoming the largest contractor in Rochester, New York, before making his life-changing move to Southwest Florida.
It was in 1978 when he built the now-legendary Lani Kai Island Resort, a symbol of hospitality and joy on Fort Myers Beach, which the resort said was named for Grace’s love of Hawaii.
For decades, Mr. C was the heart and soul of the Lani Kai. The resort said he could often be found walking the halls, greeting guests, and treating children to dessert - a small gesture that reflected his childhood struggles and his desire to ensure others experienced life’s sweetness.
Lani Kai's announcement includes the following quote from Mr. C:
“I always like offering the children dessert,” he would say, “because if I buy a drink for the parents, they can’t share it with their kids. But dessert? That’s something they can share if they want to.”
Beyond his hotel, Conidaris was a pillar of the community. The resort said his philanthropic efforts spanned generations, benefiting countless charities, churches and individuals in need.
According to the announcement, Mr. C is survived by his sister, Libby, his eight children, Peter, Diane, Robert Jr., Linda, Michael, Joe, Kenny, and Mary Grace, and their spouses, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
The resort said Conidaris lived a life of strength, determination and unwavering love. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and the community he adored.
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