Introduction

Bobby Zarin was far more than the husband of The Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin. He was a respected New York businessman, a devoted family man, and a quiet emotional anchor during Jill’s rise to reality TV fame. Known for his warmth, loyalty, and strength, Bobby became a beloved figure to RHONY viewers—especially as he faced a long, public battle with cancer.

Though Bobby passed away in 2018, interest in his life has resurfaced as Jill Zarin returns to headlines, most recently following backlash over a since-deleted Instagram rant about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. As Jill remains part of Bravo’s cultural conversation, many fans are revisiting the life and legacy of the man she often called “the love of my life.”

Who He Was

Bobby Zarin was a New York–born entrepreneur best known as the longtime owner of Zarin Fabrics, a legendary textile business founded by his father. Soft-spoken yet deeply respected, Bobby built a reputation for integrity, generosity, and family-first values—traits that endeared him to both the fashion industry and reality TV audiences.

His Connection to Jill Zarin

Bobby Zarin was the husband of Jill Zarin, an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City (seasons 1–4). The couple married in January 2002 and shared 16 years of marriage before Bobby’s death.

He was also the devoted stepfather to Jill’s daughter, Ally (Aly) Shapiro, from her previous marriage.

Why He’s Relevant Now

While Bobby himself has been gone for several years, renewed public attention on Jill Zarin—following her controversial comments about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and her upcoming E! series The Golden Life—has led fans to reflect on her personal history, including her marriage to Bobby and the profound loss that shaped her life after RHONY.

Early Life & Childhood

Bobby Zarin was born and raised in New York City. He grew up immersed in the fabric and garment world, spending time around his family’s business from a young age. Those early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong career in textiles.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Bobby was the son of Harry Zarin, who founded Zarin Fabrics in 1936. The family business became a New York institution, supplying textiles to designers, upholsterers, and creatives for decades.

Details about Bobby’s siblings are largely kept private, but family loyalty and tradition were central values passed down through generations.

Education

Bobby Zarin’s formal education has not been widely documented publicly. However, his deep industry knowledge and business acumen were largely shaped through hands-on experience within the family enterprise.

Career or Profession

Bobby ran Zarin Fabrics, transforming it into one of the most recognizable fabric destinations in New York City. The business gained pop-culture recognition through RHONY, where viewers often saw Bobby at work or supporting Jill behind the scenes.

Under his leadership, Zarin Fabrics became synonymous with quality, longevity, and old-school New York entrepreneurship.

Connection to the Celebrity & Relationship Dynamic

Bobby and Jill shared one of RHONY’s most genuine love stories. While Jill was outspoken and polarizing on-screen, Bobby balanced her energy with patience and emotional steadiness.

Their relationship became especially moving during Bobby’s illness. Jill remained by his side through years of treatment, often stepping away from television to care for him.

“He is the love of my life,” Jill told PEOPLE. “I will do everything in my power to heal and care for him.”

Recently, as Jill made headlines for criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance—comments that drew a sharp clapback from fellow Bravolebrity Hannah Ferrier—fans noted the contrast between today’s controversies and the quieter, more grounded chapter of her life with Bobby.

Personal Life & Relationships

Before marrying Jill, Bobby had three children from a previous relationship:

• Jonathan Zarin

• David Zarin

• Jennifer Zarin

He also embraced Jill’s daughter Ally Shapiro as his own. Ally later described Bobby as “the most incredible step-dad anyone could ever ask for.”

Illness, Death & Cause of Death

Bobby Zarin was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009. After surgery and radioactive iodine treatment, doctors believed the cancer was cured. However, it later returned and spread to his lungs.

In 2016, Bobby was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Despite years of treatment and resilience, Bobby passed away on January 13, 2018, surrounded by family, following complications from cancer.

He was 71 years old.

Net Worth

While Bobby Zarin’s exact net worth was never publicly confirmed, estimates place it in the multi-million-dollar range, largely due to the long-standing success of Zarin Fabrics.

Interesting Facts

• Bobby Zarin appeared frequently on RHONY despite never seeking fame

• He and Jill celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary shortly before his death

• Ally Shapiro has said she doesn’t remember life without Bobby

• Jill raised significant funds for thyroid cancer research in his honor

• Zarin Fabrics was founded in 1936, decades before Bobby took over

 

Recent News or Updates

In early 2026, Jill Zarin sparked backlash after criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show in a now-deleted Instagram video, drawing responses from Bravo stars like Hannah Ferrier. While the controversy is unrelated to Bobby, it has renewed public interest in Jill’s personal history and the loss that profoundly changed her life after RHONY.

Conclusion

Bobby Zarin’s legacy is one of love, dignity, and quiet strength. Though he lived much of his life outside the spotlight, his grace during illness and unwavering devotion to family left a lasting impression on viewers and loved ones alike.

Behind every headline about Jill Zarin is the enduring presence of the man she once called her forever—a reminder that some stories, even in reality TV, are deeply real.

FAQ

Who was Bobby Zarin?
Bobby Zarin was a New York businessman and the late husband of RHONY star Jill Zarin.

What did Bobby Zarin die from?
He passed away in 2018 after a long battle with thyroid cancer that later spread to his brain.

How long were Jill and Bobby Zarin married?
They were married for 16 years, from 2002 until Bobby’s death in 2018.

Did Bobby Zarin have children?
Yes. He had three children—Jonathan, David, and Jennifer—and was stepfather to Ally Shapiro.

What business did Bobby Zarin run?
He ran Zarin Fabrics, a textile company founded by his father in 1936.