Remembering Bermuda Limousine’s Robert A. Verdi

NEW YORK — The limousine industry is mourning the passing of industry veteran Robert “Bob” Verdi of Bermuda Limousine International Inc.on Oct. 27, 2013. He was 85.

Bob was an active philanthropist regularly providing transportation for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was the second generation running Bermuda Limousine, a large fleet New York City-based limousine company in business since 1941.

“It is a sad [time] for the limousine industry,” said Bruce Cirlin, executive vice president of Complete Fleet & Limousine Sales in Union, N.J. “Bob was truly a wonderful man.  When my own mother had cancer, Bob provided cars to take her back and forth from Queens to Manhattan so that she could get chemotherapy. Bob would not take a penny for those trips.”

Charles Tenney, owner of Tenney Consulting in Arlington, Texas, said, “Bob was a valuable contributor and leader to the limousine industry. He and I enjoyed being a part of many changes in the industry over the years. Bob was the only limo [operator] I ever knew that actually took reservations on a spool of paper, much like toilet paper. It was great fun harassing him about this. He started the first limousine reservation network long before others caught on. He led the way in many areas. He inspired and challenged me.”

Tenney and Verdi had known each other for more than 40 years. “Bob’s life was well spent on and for his family, friends and the industry. I celebrate that I was lucky enough to know him and experience the joy, fun and character he brought to my life and the lives of countless others.”

Bermuda Limousine Company was started by Bob’s father, Dominic Verdi, in 1941 when he inherited a single car, a 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special. Several hard working years later, Bermuda motor car was offering premium limousine services in NYC, including luxury, corporate and executive limo services. In 1962, Dominic passed the torch to Bob. The 70s, 80s and 90s were exciting years in New York for Bob and his wife, Lillian, and 100 employees who moved the company forward. In 1987, Peter Verdi joined the company beginning a third generation family business.

Verdi is survived by his two sons, Paul and Peter, their wives, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, earlier this year.

A funeral service was held Oct. 31 at St. Josephat’s Church in Bayside, N.Y.

Bio Info: Bob Verdi In LCT

Bermuda Limousine Facebook Page here

— Linda Jagiela, LCT contributing writer