Obituary: Robert (Bob) Gentile, 79, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of East Haven Memorial Funeral Home:

Robert (Bob) Gentile 79, passed away peacefully at his home on 01/21/2024 after a brief illness. Robert was born in New Haven, CT to the late Francis and Phyliss (Carpentino) Gentile. He was a loving and caring husband of 42 years to the late Arlene (Durgin) Gentile.

Bob was a retired Master Tile Setter and previously owned Sable Palm Marble & Tile in Coral Springs FL, where he resided for many years before moving back home to CT. Bob was the Co-Founder of the Central Connecticut Train Club, as well as the Co-Founder of CB’ers against Dystrophy in the late 70’s and early 80’s where he was better known as “Marble Man."

Bob was an avid train collector and model railroad builder which earned him many awards through the years. Bob enjoyed spending time with family and his Saturday Morning breakfasts with the guys. He loved watching his favorite sports teams the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and the Girls Uconn Huskies. Bob was an amazing cook and loved to feed everyone. For many years he could be seen most mornings out in his garden or carrying a bag of freshly picked vegetables to his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed listening to Country Music & The Oldies.

Bob left his family with many wonderful memories, and will be missed by all, including his beloved cat Taffy and his partner in crime, niece April Pettis.

Bob is survived by his brother Frank “Cheech” (Marlene) Gentile; his children, Cindy (Gerald) Villecco, Mark (Sandy) Gentile, and Kim (Andy) Adinolf; his grandchildren, Jena Villecco, Gerald (Alyssa) Villecco Jr., Madison Gentile, Jacquelyn Adinolfi, Christina Goodwin, Victoria (Anthony) Romanos, Brittany Lorig, Tia Adinolfi, Amanda Adinolfi, and Andrew Adinolfi Jr.; his eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony, Joseph, Fred Gentile, and his sisters, Sister Mary Carol Gentile and Louise Fodero.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 10, 2024 at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at St. Vincent dePaul Church at 80 Taylor Ave, East Haven, CT. at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.