Ex-Save Mart chairman Bob Piccinini dies

Robert “Bob” Piccinini, the longtime chairman of Save Mart Supermarkets, has died. He was 73.

In a statement, the company said that Bob was most passionate about two things: his family and his company. He purchased Save Mart from the Piccinini and Tocco families in 1985 after working his way up through the ranks as a box boy, truck driver, store manager, vice president of real estate and on to president and CEO.

The company said Bob is credited with taking Save Mart from a home-grown, Central Valley chain to the regional competitor it is today. In September he stepped down as CEO, siting his confidence in the direction of the company and creating a joint partnership to lead the company. Over the years, Bob heavily supported many Central Valley community organizations.

Often shying away from the spotlight, the impact of his contributions did not go unnoticed. Bob received several industry accolades throughout his career. He had partnerships and business interests and stock holdings in several real estate ventures and entertainment businesses, including the Golden State Warriors.

Bob passed Tuesday morning at his Modesto home. He is survived by children Nicole Pesco, Joseph Piccinini, Alexandria Piccinini, and Dominic Piccinini; and was preceded in death by son Michael Piccinini.