Myrtle Beach, January 4, 2026
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach community mourns the loss of Robert “Bob” Banko, a beloved figure known for his passion for golf and community service. Bob, 70, passed away on January 2, 2026, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of dedication to family and friends. His contributions as an avid bowler, golfer, and community member will be deeply missed. Family gatherings and memorial services are planned to honor his life and contributions to the Myrtle Beach area.
Myrtle Beach Comes Together to Remember Robert “Bob” Banko, 70
In the quiet and reflective atmosphere of Myrtle Beach, friends and family are mourning the loss of a truly beloved community member, Robert “Bob” Banko, who passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the Embrace Hospice House of South Carolina. Bob was 70 years old at the time of his passing, and his loss is deeply felt among all who knew him.
Life and Legacy
Bob was born on April 24, 1955, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to the late Steve and Catherine “Kay” Banko. His life journey was one marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep-seated love for his family and friends. In addition to grieving the loss of Bob, the family reflects on the wonderful memories they shared, even as they cope with the heartbreaking absence. Bob was predeceased by his sister, Susan M. Banko Lindh.
In his professional life, Bob was known as a skilled mobile maintenance mechanic at Co Steel Raritan, where he contributed his talents from 1985 to 2000. Afterward, he transitioned into the real estate world in the early 2000s, leading to a successful new chapter of his career. About eight years ago, Bob and his family made the decision to relocate to South Carolina, where they embraced the warm climate and inviting community.
A Passionate Community Member
During retirement, Bob filled his days with activities that brought him joy. An avid bowler and golfer, he loved spending time participating in sports with his friends. Bob didn’t just enjoy sports; he also made countless memories on the green and at the bowling alley, where laughter and friendly competition abounded.
Beyond sports, Bob was a proud community member. He was affiliated with the St. Andrew Knights of Columbus, #5088, in New Jersey, and played an active role at the Moose Lodge in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet. His commitment to these organizations speaks volumes about his character and willingness to give back to the community he cherished.
A Family Man First
Family was everything to Bob. As a devoted father and grandfather, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Alyson Pinto, and husband Daniel of South Amboy, NJ, along with sons Christopher Banko and wife Amy of South Plainfield, NJ; and Matthew Banko of Sayreville, NJ, and their mother, Janet Dubay. Bob cherished the moments spent with his grandchildren, including Zachary and Gemma from South Amboy, NJ, and Ethan Banko from South Plainfield, NJ. In addition to his immediate family, Bob is survived by siblings Stephen Banko (Terry), Kathy Federchak (Steve), David Banko (Tami), and MaryEllen Banko, along with several nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and a large extended family, and many supportive friends and neighbors.
Final Farewell
To honor Bob’s life, family and friends will gather on January 5, 2026, at Burroughs Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet from 2 PM to 4 PM for visitation. Following this, a Mass of Christian Burial and private graveside service will be held on January 8, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Elias Byzantine Church in Carteret, New Jersey. Additionally, the family will greet friends again on January 7, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM at The Gundrum Service in South Amboy, NJ.
As a tribute to Bob’s love for helping others, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory. Bob Banko touched many lives, and he will surely be missed by all.
Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements. May Bob rest in peace, surrounded by the love he gave so generously in life.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: How to Deal with Grief Around the Holidays
- Wikipedia: Grief
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach News
- WGAL: Lancaster County Family’s Loss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grief
- Legacy: Lorraine Molnar
- Google News: Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
