1945-2025
Robert “Rob” Iannucci, motorsports pioneer, attorney, and passionate preservationist, died on 7 December 2025, at the age of 80. He was renowned for restoring unique buildings, reviving boats, and, not least, bringing legendary motorcycles back to life.
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Rob’s early fascination with how things worked began in his youth in auto workshops, and it would come to shape the rest of his life. His professional career started in public service, first as a Brooklyn assistant district attorney, then as a social worker and probation officer in New York and New Jersey. His commitment to community extended overseas, with service in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and Barbados, helping establish commercial fishermen’s co-operatives. There, he met his wife and lifelong business partner, Sonia Ewers.
Rob’s most enduring legacy was forged on the racetrack. As founder of Historic Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, he established Team Obsolete, a pioneering force on the international stage. From 1978 to 2002, Team Obsolete competed in more than 1800 races worldwide, earning admiration and countless accolades. His team’s riders included legends such as Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, and Dave Roper, the only American to win an Isle of Man TT. Team Obsolete curated one of the world’s finest collections of museum-quality Grand Prix motorcycles, including a rare 1965 Honda RC165 250 six and an AJS E95 Porcupine.
A visionary in real estate, Rob saw promise where others saw decline. He restored and revitalised unique properties across America and the Caribbean. In Kingston, New York, he purchased and prepared three-quarters of a mile of waterfront, acquiring 37 parcels of development land in less than two years. In Downtown Brooklyn, he transformed a commercial loft to provide the first office for the now-renowned Etsy website.
Rob’s passion for preservation also extended to the water, rescuing WWII vessels through his Fleet Obsolete Restoration Project and re-purposing them for education and humanitarian use.
Rob leaves behind family, longtime colleagues, and many friends – each carrying forward the inspiration of his work, relentless curiosity, and extraordinary spirit.