Bob Stankovic, who worked as a tailor in Palo Alto and then in Menlo Park for more than 64 years, has died. He was 81.
Stankovic, who died on Nov. 20 with his family by his side, was born Branislav Stankovic on Sept. 6, 1940, in a small town in Serbia and immigrated to the United States at 17.
Pat White, a portfolio coordinator at Menlo Oaks Capital, told the Post in an email that Stankovic, who lived in Redwood City, was the “world’s best tailor” and that he “has helped many of us look better than when we walked in” his shop at 1142 Chestnut St.
Jim Lewis wrote to the Post to say that Stankovic “was always a breath of fresh air. Many (people) stopped by his shop … during the day to visit. He always made them feel welcome and important. He will be sorely missed by many.”
His family said that he was “kind, generous, extremely welcoming, hysterically funny, and the most loving man to those that knew him.”
Stankovic is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lada, daughters, Linda (Craig) and Julie; and grandchildren Luka, Colin, Derek and Isabella.
A public wake has already been held.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations in Stankovic’s name to the scholarship funds at St. Pius School in Redwood City (stpiusschool.org) or Canyon Heights Academy (canyonheightsacademy.com).
I am one of the many people to stop by Bob’s shop from time to time to enjoy his company and good humor. He is a real loss to the downtown community. I already miss him.
So sad. He was a lovely, chrming man. His little shop took me back in time. He was a tailor of the old school who could do just about anything with always perfect results. There are no more like him.
Was his Menlo shop actually on Chestnut Lane, between Santa Cruz and Oak Grove?
I knew Bob when he worked with his father in Palo Alto and then at his own shop in Menlo Park. A great tailor, but also a wonderful, warm, cheerful person. A real loss.
John Arnold
Will be sadly missed.
I have used Bob as a tailor for decades. Since the 70s, growing up in Atherton.
I stopped by to see him in September when I was visiting my Mom. He didn’t age at all!
This is so tragic. My husband was just taking some items in to have Bob work on them and we saw him in September. I’m so sad. He was such a nice, fun, playful guy, to say nothing about the fact he was an extraordinary tailor. He will be so missed !!
Very sad, Bob was always in great health and good shape….always had time to shoot the breeze…..Thoughts and Prayers to his family which he adored….
Bob was such a wonderful person, always warm and welcoming, and a real asset to our community. He will be sorely missed!
Bob was such a wonderful man, he always said “ hello little lady “ when I walked into the shop…I saw him right before he was going to Arizona to visit his grandchildren and he was so excited. I hope he was able to make that trip
RIP Bob
This is very sad news. I worked with Bob 20 years ago and then saw him recently to alter a suit I bought for my son’s wedding. I had waited too long and ended up needing the alterations in two days. When I called to see if he could squeeze me in, he said “A child’s wedding is a joyous day. Of course I can help you.” It was done perfectly in less than twenty four hours and on top of that Bob tried to refuse our payment. When I picked up the suit we walked about his wonderful family and how proud he is of his beautiful daughters. Bob was a professional and a prince. Blessings on the Stankovic family.