- Date Of Birth: August 10, 1966
- Date Of Death: April 17, 2020
- State: Idaho
Robert William Castoro, age 53, passed away Friday April 17, 2020, surrounded by his loving
family. His tragic death was caused by injuries sustained from a sudden unintentional accident in
his home.
Robert was born August 10, 1966, in New Jersey. He met the love of his life, Martine, in 1993 in
Laguna Beach, California. The two married just one year later. It was here that they opened their
first restaurant, aptly named, Ti Amo. A romantic restaurant, nestled in the cliffs above the
Pacific, Ti Amo featured the art of Martine and the cuisine of Chef Enrique Martinez. This intimate
eatery quickly became a favorite among celebrities, politicians, and locals in the know.
In 2004, the Castoros moved with their children to Boise, Idaho. It only took them a year to
debut Barbacoa with Chef Enrique again at their sides. It was a restaurant unlike Boise had ever
seen before. Part restaurant, part art gallery, and every bit a nightclub, ‘Coa’ completely
changed the standard of Boise’s dining experience. Robert and Martine traveled the world to curate
the restaurant’s innovative design and menu. Their son Nikolai has managed the restaurant for the
past 5 years. He, with the help of his brother Demitrios, will continue in their father’s footsteps
of creating excellence in experiences.
Robert had an enthusiasm for life that was infectious. His energy was ceaseless. He lived his life
as a celebration- never considering going half-way. He dreamed big and lived even bigger.
Whether he was heli-skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, waterskiing, serving aces, or capturing your
queen- he did it with unrivaled passion. It was as though he wanted us all along for the party.
Friends and family recall exotic vacations, ultimate adventures, and road trips. Robert had a way
of making you feel like you were the most important person he’d ever met- be it in a dining room of
500 or fireside apres ski.
He loved art, animals, motorcycles, vintage cars, people, and most of all, his family. Robert had
one of the biggest hearts and took every opportunity to take care of people. When the first
Barbacoa burned to the ground in 2010, he auctioned off all that was left and put the profits into
a trust for his employees. The depth of his generosity was staggering- he jumped at any chance to
help those in need. Just this spring, Robert began work on opening an art charity center in McCall
where all profits would go back into the community- the first beneficiary being the “Little Ski
Hill.
Robert is survived by his former wife, Martine Castoro; son Nikolai (and his wife Sam); daughter
Chynna; son Demitrios; stepfather Terry Clark; sister Lea; brothers Paul, Daron, Allen, and Joseph;
as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Robert Thursday April 30th, 2020, at 8:30pm.
celebrate his life at that same time.
be directed to the attention of Barbacoa 276 Bobwhite Court,
Boise, ID 83706.
