Robert R. Dashnaw

Sadly, Captain Robert Ralph Dashnaw passed away on June 1, 2023, at his home in Plantation, Florida. His departure from this world has left his family, friends, and co-workers rocked to their core. As a lifelong firefighter and paramedic, Robert was forever proud of his FDNY brothers who on September 11, 2001, courageously ran into the Twin Towers without hesitation, many of whom laid down their lives that day for the citizens they served. Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those who choose to honor him consider donating to Tunnels 2 Towers Foundation, a charity to which he was dedicated.

Captain Robert Ralph Dashnaw, known as Robert, “Dash”, Bob, Uncle Bobbie, Dad, Daddy and most importantly, Pappa, began his life of service at the tender age of 17 when he joined the U.S. Army. Although he’d never even flown on a plane at that point in his life, he chose to become a paratrooper, indicative of the badass in him. He served in the 101st Air Borne Division (“Screaming Eagles”) for five years during a time of significant unrest and division in the United States. Despite wrecking his CO’s new jeep, Robert earned an honorable discharge and relocated to Long Island, where he met and married Melinda Nerzig and started a family.

Captain Dashnaw continued his life of service as a firefighter and paramedic in the city of Sunrise, Florida from 1974 to 2006. Among his peers, he was considered an excellent leader, a team player, a mentor to many, and a bright example of the pride, diligence, and excellence noteworthy of the Sunrise Fire Rescue Department. Most dear to his heart was Sunrise Station Engine 59 which will forever be known as “Fighting 59” for its relentless efforts to serve and protect under the leadership of Captain Dashnaw.

Within the community of Sunset Cove in Planation where he and his wife, Maria, have lived for the past 30 years, “Dash” as he was known by his neighbors, was always the first person to lend a helping hand, often without being asked. Hurricanes, floods, downed trees, broken fences, Dash could handle all of it. He could fix anything, build anything, and turn one man’s trash into a treasure. If you found yourself shipwrecked on a deserted island, Dash was the guy you’d want by your side.

Robert’s love of country and commitment to service was demonstrated in every facet of his life. His home, his cars, and his clothing choices, all conveyed a consistent unapologetic message, proud to be an American, proud to be a firefighter, and proud to be connected to the enduring brotherhood shared by firefighters and that of their partners in law enforcement. On Saturday mornings it was not uncommon to see Dash on a busy corner in Davie (along with Denise), waving the Back the Blue and American flags. People may not have agreed with his ideology, but you had to respect his passion. The man liked what he liked…period, end of question. Robert is a man who spent his entire life in hero mode but never sought the accolades …whether people, animals, or property, he stepped in with the goal to preserve life…snakes, Buford toads, ducks, feral cats, squirrels.

As an American Indian of the Mohawk Tribe, he carried himself with a fearless, gentle, unassuming confidence that afforded all who knew him a peaceful sense of security. He was an avid gardener who held the belief that flowers and plants belong in the ground fulfilling the circle of life.

He enjoyed watching NFL football and remained a faithful and "forever-hopeful" Raiders fan since their win over the NY Jets in the 1968 Heidi Bowl. Even better than the NFL was watching his grandsons play football at American Heritage, Saint Andrews and Saint Thomas Aquinas. They knew he was there, wearing their team jersey and hat, watching closely with his old-time binoculars… comforted by the fact that he “had his eyes on them.” His favorite lesson to live by was “Learn One, Do One, Teach One” and for sure he knew “a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff.”

Married to Maria for 43 years, he learned how to be Italian, spending lots of time in the kitchen…homemade pasta, antipasto, red wine, “the bread” and pastries. His greatest joy was having his family around him…whether grilling huge steaks for his boys or preparing the Christmas Eve seven fish dinner, food was love to him, and he gave a lot of it. In keeping with his love of the traditional, often loud and dramatic Italian family, his favorite movie was "Moonstruck." In recent years he witnessed Maria's health challenges that became his challenges too. His daily message to her was "I am here to love you, to provide and protect."

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Maria, his children, Chad Dashnaw (Lorena), and Marla Nottingham (Riley) and stepchildren, Neal Chianese (Nicole), Denise Chianese, and Angelique Swann (Jason), and his Babies, (Maltese) Frankie and Lola who were his guard dogs, and made the world a happier place during their shopping excursions to Home Depot and Costco. He is the proud Pappa of five grandchildren, Patrick, Sarah, Tristen, Jason, and (too cute) Lilly Rose. Robert has three surviving siblings, Howard, Bruce, and Nancy. He has dozens of nieces and nephews, most of whom still reside in his hometown of Malone, NY. Robert was predeceased by both of his parents and his sister, Leona. Pappa was the rock of his family…loved, celebrated, dependable, kind, and generous. There are no words that adequately describe how he will be missed.

Please consider remembering the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.to honor him. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.  Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The family will receive friends, and visitation will be held on Monday, June 12th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 13th, 11:30AM, in the morning, at the funeral home. Reception location will be shared following the service, for family and friends to continue to share memories. Military Honors will be rendered on Wednesday, June 14th - 2:30 PM at South Florida National Cemetery. Please gather in Lane 3 by 2:15 PM. Arrangements by T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home