"I can' walk and do not have a hook on car to hold one but I will be there in my heart. Glad I had a chance to talk to him 2 days prior to are losing him he was a great guy and a great fire fighter the stories and memoirs of him will stay with me until I leave this earth. Loved and cherished his friendship. Will see him in the new system. Carl Clawson"
In loving memory of
Robert S. Giannavola
January 6, 1946 - October 4, 2023
Robert S. Giannavola
Spencerport: Passed away on October 4, 2023, in Rochester, NY. Robert is predeceased by his wife, Florence Giannavola; parents August & Mary Giannavola. He is survived by his children, Amie Giannavola, Robert Giannavola & Richard (Sabrina) Giannavola; grandchildren, Jayce Giannavola, Eva Martina, Mia Martina & Jaden Ercolino; sister, Susan (Dan) Ralleo; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
Bob was a US Army veteran and retired as Batallion Chief after serving 31 years with the City of Rochester Fire Department. He was a fun-loving, charismatic and humorous person that was a father figure to many people. His hobbies included fishing, golf and listening to music.
Bob's life story will be shared during his visitation, 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, October 12th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 on Friday, October 13th at St. John the Evangelist Church, 55 Martha St. in Spencerport. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Robert's name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.
Remembering Bob
Robert S. "Bob" Giannavola was born on January 6, 1946 in Rochester, NY. He was welcomed into life by parents, August & Mary Giannavola, who owned and operated August Packing Co., a sausage packing plant on Jay Street. Bob, along with his siblings, Gus and Susan, grew up as part of the Mount Carmel Church and Irondequoit High School communities.
After completing school, Bob spent time in the Army Reserves and began his exemplary 31 year career with the Rochester City Fire Department. There, he met lifelong friends, Rich Lombardo, Sam Alicata and Ron Bianchi. Working his way up to Battalion Chief, Bob was a hero not just on the job, but to his family and friends who held deep respect for and pride in his accomplishments. He was well respected by his peers and is remembered to this day for his commanding presence in the RCFD. He was easy to talk to, a great listener, an even better problem solver, and always followed up with you to see how you were doing.
Bob married the love of his life, Florence Furino Giannavola, on September 4, 1967. Together, they built a family full of love and laughter. Their children, Robert, Amie, and Richard, remember these childhood years fondly as the best times of their lives. Family was the priority. The Giannavola home always had company visiting, the door open, dinner to share, and delectable baked goods made by Florence for all to enjoy. Each year, the family made even more memories on their annual trip to the Adirondacks and Lake George - rafting, fishing, having campfires, and telling ghost stories! Bob was a very involved father, grandfather, and family man. It was common to find him raking leaves in the backyard so the kids from the neighborhood could jump in them, making bike trails in the woods, and building igloos in the backyard in the wintertime. He had a passion for tending to his yard and caring for the many Koi fish in the fishpond that he built for Florence.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, and driving his 1934 Roadster (which he contested and won quite a few shows for). In his early 20's, he owned and raced his 1965 Corvette at Spencer Speedway. He had a deep love for music, songwriting, playing the drums, the harmonica, and singing. Bob dreamed up characters such as Metal Man, and he was known to many as the Shadowman, which was a song & video written and produced by Bob and his band, Code 5. He loved blues, 60's & 70's rock, Billy Joel, and Bob Segar. He was an avid baseball and football fan, too. Bob's favorite teams were the NY Yankees and NY Giants - both of which he could be heard yelling at in frustration while watching the TV.
Bob had charisma that was larger than life. He had tenacity that drew you in and made you feel wanted. It created an eagerness to live life the way he did -- fearlessly, with perseverance, hard work, honesty, integrity, love, laughter and fun. Bob lived life on his own terms, didn't take himself too seriously, and made you rethink how well you were living your own life. He was a natural born leader, entertainer, and storyteller who thrived as the life of the party and could often be found singing and socializing at his favorite bar, McColley's. Even as his life drew to a close, Bob remained steadfast, saying, "They can't take my sense of humor; I'll have that til the end."
The legacy that Bob leaves is difficult to encapsulate in words. He touched the lives of so many people from so many different walks of life and met them with acceptance - regardless of their gender, race, religion, or social status. He often helped and befriended strangers who were coping with hard times, greeting them with an open heart and a smile, seeing it as an opportunity to spread love and laughter. If you knew Bob, he surely left a mark on your heart and a lasting smile on your face. Put simply, he always tried to leave people better than he found them.
Tributes
"On behalf of McColley?s, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of your dearest Bob. We were lucky enough to be part of this man?s life and loved every minute of it. He was one of kind, genuine, feisty, fun and loyal. He will be so very missed by all of us. ~Tracy Narburgh "
"Russ Vallone October10 Iknew Bobby from when wherelittle kids.Weshared a cousin, our cousin Dick,he was a great kid we allhad funtogether. We became adults and both of us joined the fire dept. where we shared more great times together. Bob was loved and well respected on the job, he will be forever in our thoughts. Miss you my friend. "
"I shared the early years of my life with Bobby. He lived across from me on Lewis Street. I can only remember good things about him. I wish I had known him in the later years of his life. There was a special bond among the guys that grew up in the Lewis Street neighborhood. That will always be there Bobby. Rest in peace."
"The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Robert's passing. We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country."
"It's been my honor to have known and to work with Bob. Rest in peace my friend. Mike and Beth DiMaria"
"You will be missed Chief. A true gentleman and a fireman?s fireman. "
"Bob, Gus, Sue and I all grew up together on the family compound on Lewis street. We were inseparable. At that early time I knew that Bobby would be someone special. Bobby is now with his beloved Florence as their romance continues in Heaven. Thanks for all the good times. "
"Uncle Bob was a second father to me and my brothers. He was truly an inspiration and hero to me, not only growing up, but into adulthood as well. I remember going to the firehouse as a kid and playing on the trucks and sliding down the poles and having so much fun (until the calls came in from dispatch and they had to leave with lights and sirens). It was then I knew I wanted to be a first responder just like him! I remember when you promoted to Lieutenant, then Captain and continued all the way up to Battalion Chief (3rd higjest rank in The City of Rochester). I was so glad Misty and I were able to see you a few weeks ago back home. Thank you for all the love, laughter, joy, and great times! May God Bless you. I will love you and we will always remember you forever ??"
"Brother dear?. I can only say ? thanks for the memories?. You were such a part of my life. Though distance may have separated us, there was never a gap in the bond we shared ?. The best brother ever ? "
"Sue and I always remained best friends since we were 13! Bobby was such a big part of my life?eve now. No one could make me laugh harder and made me feel safe like he did! Every memory brings a smile to my face. You are once again with your beloved Florence. May you carry on as that crazy guy in heaven and rest in peace. I will miss you and love you, and I will take care of Sue??"
"Bob or as my girls called you ?Grandpa Bob. It has been a pleasure being your neighbor for almost the past 25 years . We are family. You always called Tom your 3rd son and he loved it and lived it. You showed him how to keep a great lawn and many landscaping techniques. We came to all your picnics, pork parties and football parties. You will always be our ?Shadowman?. You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace you beautiful person! ???? We will visit you as we have Florence often. See you again! "
"Beautiful Tribute Amie Giannavola! Your dad was my Godfather and took the place of my father over the past ten years. I was honored and blessed to become very close with him over the past few years. Always a great Godfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. Funny, a storyteller, and just brought joy and energy to everyone around him. Mary Gaukler Giannavola and I loved him so much and we?ll miss him, but his legacy will last forever!"
"Rob, Amie and Rich, Losing someone you love is never easy, and I can only imagine how much you must be hurting. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. You have people who care about you and who support you. I hope that you can find some peace and solace in the memories of dad. He will always live on in your heart and in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a wonderful person who touched many lives with his kindness and love for life. He left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. I was able to see him this past weekend and I will forever be thankful for that time and our conversation. He was so very kind to me and Trevor... Please accept my deepest condolences and my heartfelt sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and hope in this time of sorrow. Teresa"