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Robert (Bob) Paul Chao Obituary
October 3, 1950 ~ May 5, 2026 (age 75)
Bob played in the CSBL for several years in the early 2000’s while he lived in Vermont. He was a warm, friendly, easy going guy. He was a tough, hard nosed defender, set screens and moved the ball on offense, and had a good midrange set shot.
Robert (Bob) Paul Chao, 75, of Ridgely, MD, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Rockville, MD, following a courageous year-long battle with complications from a kidney transplant.
Born in Manhattan, NY, on October 3, 1950, Bob was the son of the late Ah Pao Chao and Ah Vong Chen. A proud New Yorker at heart, he graduated from Concordia College in Bronxville before relocating to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
In 1984, Bob and his former wife, Sarah Dienst, opened the House of Chao Chinese restaurant in Denton, MD. The restaurant served as more than just a business; it was a way for Bob to share New York’s finest Chinese flavors with his family, friends and new community. In the 1990s, Bob’s path led him to Vermont, where he discovered a deep calling for service. He spent several years as a dedicated caregiver for disabled adults—a career he continued upon his return to Maryland while working for the Chesterwye Center in Grasonville and the Benedictine School in Ridgely.
Bob was a man of simple pleasures. A loyal fan of New York sports, he spent his life cheering for the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, and Rangers. His love for the game wasn’t just from the sidelines; Bob was a fixture on the basketball court. From his youth into adulthood, not only playing in high school and college but also coaching with Mitchell’s Express in Maryland and playing on local Vermont men’s leagues well into his 50s. This was a passion he took great pride in passing down to his children and grandchildren.
But Bob’s true “New York State of Mind” was best expressed through food. Bob was happiest enjoying his favorite dim sum in Chinatown or in the kitchen preparing to share a dish. He was a gatherer of people—it was not unusual for Bob to invite family or friends out to eat. He believed that big life moments were meant to be celebrated and surrounded by good people and a delicious meal.
Above all, Bob was a family man. His greatest happiness was found in the special occasions shared with his children, and from valuable time spent with his seven grandchildren. To them, he was simply “Poppy”—the steadfast fan on the sidelines, cheering the loudest for his grandkids.
Bob is survived by his former wife; Sarah Dienst of Eastern Shore MD, his children; Laura Chao Smith (Craig) of NJ, Michelle Chao (Jeremy) of Western MD, Jeff Chao of Eastern Shore MD, Dorothy Chao Johnson (C.O.) of Eastern Shore MD and his seven beloved grandchildren; Robert (R.P.), Reagan, Norah, Kyla, Asa, Evan, and Marshall.
A visitation with the family will be held from 1 until 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 16, at the Moore Funeral Home, P.A. located at 12 South Second Street in Denton. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial donations to be sent to The Benedictine School, 14299 Benedictine Ln, Ridgely, MD 21660 (benschool.org) or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, NY, NY 10016 (https//support.kidney.org).
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