Obituary for Robert Leonard Gelormino
Robert L. Gelormino – Robert (Bob) Leonard Gelormino, 89, of Brandywine Living in Litchfield, CT was reunited with his wife in heaven on September 24, 2022. Bob was the beloved husband of the late Shirley J. (Meeker) Gelormino. Born and raised in Torrington, CT, Bob was the son of the late Modestino and Mildred Ruth (Anstett) Gelormino.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and spent 4 years in the submarine and destroyer service. He learned all the skills and operating systems required of a submariner before receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. Bob was a self-made man. He had a natural talent for carpentry and building design. He worked in all facets of carpentry from residential to commercial, starting out as a journeyman and working his way up to supervisor. Early on, he worked for the Sy Florio Building Company learning all phases of residential building and remodeling and cabinetmaking. He was very proud of his knowledge and aptitude for the building industry, and in 1964 he founded and operated a successful design and production company called Kustom Kitchen & Bath located in Litchfield, CT. Later in life, Bob moved with his wife to Morgan, Vermont where they lived on Seymour Lake. While in Vermont, he sold real estate and he volunteered with the United Christian Academy in Newport. After many years, they returned to Connecticut to be closer to family, first living in Litchfield and later at Mt. Tom in Morris. Bob spent his later years practicing real estate in Connecticut.
Bob was an active member of his church, holding various positions throughout his life. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Finance, a member of the Board of Deacons, and an usher at various services. He had an unwavering faith in God and was a congregant at the Morris Congregational Church and the Litchfield Congregational Church. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. Fishing, boating, and swimming were some of his favorite pastimes. Bob was also very musical. He had a beautiful singing voice and sang for enjoyment throughout his life. In his younger days, he played the piano and accordion and would get together for weekly jam sessions with his brothers.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Terry Lee Adams of Woodbury, and Kathy Matyas (Ralph) of Litchfield; his grandchildren Jaime Makuc (Paul) of Litchfield, Robert Matyas (Laura) of Cambridge, MA, Jerrod Kirchberger (Ali) of Woodbury, and Jeffrey Matyas of East Lyme; his three great-grandchildren, Jeff Jr., Michaela, and Catelyn; his brother, James F. Gelormino (Irene) of Montana; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, Bob was predeceased by his brothers Kenneth and William, and his sister Joanie (Gelormino) Roscello.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at West Cemetery, Whites Wood Road, Litchfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to: United Christian Academy, 65 School Street, Newport, VT 05885; The Little Guild, 285 Sharon-Goshen Road, West Cornwall, CT 06796; and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and spent 4 years in the submarine and destroyer service. He learned all the skills and operating systems required of a submariner before receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. Bob was a self-made man. He had a natural talent for carpentry and building design. He worked in all facets of carpentry from residential to commercial, starting out as a journeyman and working his way up to supervisor. Early on, he worked for the Sy Florio Building Company learning all phases of residential building and remodeling and cabinetmaking. He was very proud of his knowledge and aptitude for the building industry, and in 1964 he founded and operated a successful design and production company called Kustom Kitchen & Bath located in Litchfield, CT. Later in life, Bob moved with his wife to Morgan, Vermont where they lived on Seymour Lake. While in Vermont, he sold real estate and he volunteered with the United Christian Academy in Newport. After many years, they returned to Connecticut to be closer to family, first living in Litchfield and later at Mt. Tom in Morris. Bob spent his later years practicing real estate in Connecticut.
Bob was an active member of his church, holding various positions throughout his life. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Finance, a member of the Board of Deacons, and an usher at various services. He had an unwavering faith in God and was a congregant at the Morris Congregational Church and the Litchfield Congregational Church. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. Fishing, boating, and swimming were some of his favorite pastimes. Bob was also very musical. He had a beautiful singing voice and sang for enjoyment throughout his life. In his younger days, he played the piano and accordion and would get together for weekly jam sessions with his brothers.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Terry Lee Adams of Woodbury, and Kathy Matyas (Ralph) of Litchfield; his grandchildren Jaime Makuc (Paul) of Litchfield, Robert Matyas (Laura) of Cambridge, MA, Jerrod Kirchberger (Ali) of Woodbury, and Jeffrey Matyas of East Lyme; his three great-grandchildren, Jeff Jr., Michaela, and Catelyn; his brother, James F. Gelormino (Irene) of Montana; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, Bob was predeceased by his brothers Kenneth and William, and his sister Joanie (Gelormino) Roscello.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at West Cemetery, Whites Wood Road, Litchfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to: United Christian Academy, 65 School Street, Newport, VT 05885; The Little Guild, 285 Sharon-Goshen Road, West Cornwall, CT 06796; and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.