01/08/2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our longtime Board Chair and cherished friend, Bob Baldoni, in December after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was truly the heart and soul of the Burke Neurological Institute Board for more than 15 years. During his tenure as Chair, he guided the Institute through a period of remarkable growth in pursuit of its mission to cure neurological disability.
Bob was a larger-than-life presence, known for his warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality. He consistently impressed faculty, staff, and fellow Board members with his exceptional organization and his thoughtful, probing questions. Though not a scientist by training, Bob quickly grasped the substance and importance of BNI’s work. He deeply embraced our commitment to rigorous investigation and to “the science that hope demands,” becoming an indefatigable advocate for the programs we brought before him—from the Burke–Blythedale collaboration, to laboratory renovations, to the acquisition of advanced microscopy.
Bob’s remarkable ability to get things done stemmed not only from the force of his personality, but from the deep affection, trust, and mutual respect he cultivated among Board members across the Burke Neurological Institute, Burke Hospital, and the Burke Foundation.
One of the greatest joys of Bob’s life was his son, Robert Jr. (Rob), who also enriched BNI during his time here as a high school student. Rob went on to Duke University and then to a rapid ascent as CEO of Dannce AI. In his characteristic grace and humility, Bob always credited BNI far more than we deserved for Rob’s success. Those who knew the family well understand that Rob’s inspiration and values came first and foremost from Bob and his devoted wife, Chris.
We cannot adequately express our gratitude to the Baldoni family for all they have done for the Burke Neurological Institute. Year after year, they were among the most generous supporters of individual labs. Their impact will endure—in the discoveries made, the science advanced, and ultimately in the cures for disability that emerge from BNI’s work. None of this would be where it is today without Bob.
We will miss him dearly—as a leader, an advisor, and above all, a friend.
🔗 Read our full tribute at: https://buff.ly/W4bFBNM
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our longtime Board Chair and cherished friend, Bob Baldoni, in December after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
