I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is Bob’s memoir of growing up in New York during the ’40s, 50s, and 60s, as well as the growth of his own family and career all the way through the turn of the new millennium. It is also the story of determining how to survive and grow in the face of everyday challenges, personal tragedy, and family conflict. 

Bob graduated from St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn and St. John’s University in Queens, NY. He enjoyed a 30-year career with Bloomingdales department store, where he held the position Vice President of Operations for the world-renowned flagship store on Lexington Avenue in NYC. Eventually, he earned the title Vice President of Customer Service for the entire company. Following his career at Bloomingdales, Bob was named President and Chief Operating Officer of  Hart Systems, a bar code scanner rental company. Presently, Bob is a real estate professional with Dunes Properties, a firm that serves the Charleston area. 

Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, reside on Daniel Island in Charleston. His daughter, Allison, and grandson live locally, and his daughter, Carolyn, resides in Charlotte, NC, with her family. An avid golfer, Bob has enjoyed many of Charleston’s magnificent courses. 

…and he absolutely loves calamari – a lot!   " /> I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is Bob’s memoir of growing up in New York during the ’40s, 50s, and 60s, as well as the growth of his own family and career all the way through the turn of the new millennium. It is also the story of determining how to survive and grow in the face of everyday challenges, personal tragedy, and family conflict. 

Bob graduated from St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn and St. John’s University in Queens, NY. He enjoyed a 30-year career with Bloomingdales department store, where he held the position Vice President of Operations for the world-renowned flagship store on Lexington Avenue in NYC. Eventually, he earned the title Vice President of Customer Service for the entire company. Following his career at Bloomingdales, Bob was named President and Chief Operating Officer of  Hart Systems, a bar code scanner rental company. Presently, Bob is a real estate professional with Dunes Properties, a firm that serves the Charleston area. 

Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, reside on Daniel Island in Charleston. His daughter, Allison, and grandson live locally, and his daughter, Carolyn, resides in Charlotte, NC, with her family. An avid golfer, Bob has enjoyed many of Charleston’s magnificent courses. 

…and he absolutely loves calamari – a lot!   " />

Our site will be undergoing maintenance from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 20. During this time, Bookshop, checkout, and other features will be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Bookshop Genres Bob Farina: books, biography, news, upcoming events
Cookies must be enabled to use this website.

About the Author

Bob Farina
Profile Image Not Available
Author Info

Bob Farina was born and raised in New York City, growing up in the boroughs of both Brooklyn and Queens. The grandson of Italian immigrants, Bob lived and worked in New York City until 2006, when he and his family moved to Charleston, SC. 

I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is Bob’s memoir of growing up in New York during the ’40s, 50s, and 60s, as well as the growth of his own family and career all the way through the turn of the new millennium. It is also the story of determining how to survive and grow in the face of everyday challenges, personal tragedy, and family conflict. 

Bob graduated from St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn and St. John’s University in Queens, NY. He enjoyed a 30-year career with Bloomingdales department store, where he held the position Vice President of Operations for the world-renowned flagship store on Lexington Avenue in NYC. Eventually, he earned the title Vice President of Customer Service for the entire company. Following his career at Bloomingdales, Bob was named President and Chief Operating Officer of  Hart Systems, a bar code scanner rental company. Presently, Bob is a real estate professional with Dunes Properties, a firm that serves the Charleston area. 

Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, reside on Daniel Island in Charleston. His daughter, Allison, and grandson live locally, and his daughter, Carolyn, resides in Charlotte, NC, with her family. An avid golfer, Bob has enjoyed many of Charleston’s magnificent courses. 

…and he absolutely loves calamari – a lot!