R
obert J. Lancelotta Sr., a successful Howard County real estate developer, passed away on April 16 at his Ocean City home after battling cancer. He was 81 and had lived in Catonsville for many years.
Born in Baltimore to Frank Lancelotta, owner of Erdman Lumber Co., and Josephine Libertini, Robert joined the family business and eventually took it over, expanding into automobile leasing. His cousin, Sam Lancelotta, described him as "personable" and a "good businessman," with a unique ability to think outside the box.
Robert's daughter, Dee Dee Lancelotta Barber, praised his sales charisma and deep knowledge of the lumber industry. He developed Terra Maria, a 55-acre community near Ellicott City, on land once owned by Charles Carroll of Carrollton. The site had been vacant since a fire in 1911 destroyed part of Saint Charles College.
Robert's son, Robert J. Lancelotta Jr., remembered his father as a positive person who saw opportunities where others saw problems. He was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, boating, and deep-sea fishing.
After moving to Ocean City nearly 30 years ago, Robert sold residential real estate with Coldwell Banker. He was a past board member of Our Lady's Center in Ellicott City and the Calypso Condominium in Ocean City.
Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, a son, daughter, and sister. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church – Chapel in Catonsville on Friday at 10:30 a.m.
