Robert Edward Matonti, born March 7, 1947 in Brooklyn NY, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026. Born to Michael and Josephine Matonti, he leaves behind his loving wife, Diane, his brother, Michael, and several cousins.

“Bob” aka “Scout” started his career in New York City as a foreign exchange broker. It was there he assisted in building up a business that would last for decades. His colleagues are still in touch and they all remain friends to this day. This business brought him to San Francisco, CA where he opened a satellite office that he ran for several years. He then moved to Los Angeles in the early 90’s to continue his work.

A career change took place in the mid 90’s that led him to The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. As the head of the Information Technology Department, he loved to take computers apart. He and his two colleagues, Jon and Rob, maintained several hundred computers and were instrumental in the Huntington’s technological growth over the years. Bob retired from the Huntington after working there for two decades. Bob was fortunate to be able to turn a hobby into a work passion.

Bob’s greatest pleasure in life was when he met his wife, Diane, in 1995. They wed in 1998 and that was when all the adventures began. He taught her the value of traveling and she eventually caved and boarded a plane. He had a passion for discovering the world which began as a foreign exchange broker. He had great pleasure in showing Diane the charms of Ireland, France and Italy. Ocean cruising was their favorite vacations.

Bob had a wide range of passions and interest. He loved being a Scout Master in Brooklyn where he helped build boys into men (thus the name “Scout” was born and stuck). He loved working with his hands and always wanted to know how things worked. He was a wonderful handyman. He joined the St. Rita Church choir in the early 90’s and was blessed to have a second family with the parish. After Bob retired, he became a volunteer with the Pasadena Police Department. While there, he built a community of service and friendship.

Bob and Diane eventually moved to Laguna Woods Village in 2019. They joined every club imaginable. Bob studied for his license and was heavily involved with the Amateur Radio Club serving on the Board for a few years. He was a member of Theatre Guild where he enjoyed acting and singing. He was a member of The Brooklyn Blend which is a Doo Wop group formed by a bunch of music-loving friends. For six years he was a member of the Orange County Sheriff Department as a PSR volunteer (professional services responders) where he served in various facets of the department - from assisting in community events, to recruiting others, taking part in presentations and just being a great customer service representative for the Department’s community programs. He eventually began assisting with training of new recruits as well as seasoned deputies as an actor depicting real life scenarios. This was a real passion of his as it gave him the opportunity to give back to the community.

His latest discovery was AI. It was with the help of his new “best friend” that he discovered music. What a great legacy he left behind. His YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/@RhythmAlley

You always knew when Bob was around. When you heard women giggling and you turned around, you could always bet he was among them. He had incredible energy and was always a people magnet. His light may be extinguished, but it will always live on in the heart of everyone he knew.

No services will be held. A private gathering will be arranged at a later date. 
Donations in Bob’s name may be made to the following:

Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs
https://ocsac.org/donations/star-facility/

Orange County Sheriff's Advisory 
https://ocsac.org/donations/star-facility/

Thank you for any donated amount.