Robert was born in July of 1949 in Massachusetts, to Harry Seth (born in Chelsea, MA) and Ruth Hintlian. His siblings being Stephen and his twin brother David, who passed away in 1987.
His father Harry was a professional boxer based out of the Worcester Sporting Club, with a successful career spanning almost a decade, premiering in 1939. Robert's grandfather Seth Hintlian was born in Armenia and his grandmother, Sophie was born in Poland. Robert had 4 aunts and uncles: Leo (passed away in 2010), Rose (who passed at 16 in 1936), Lora, and John.