Obituary of Robert Anthony Gioiosa

Robert “Bob” Anthony Gioiosa, a loving father and a US Army Veteran, passed away on November 4, 2023 at the age of 85. Bob was born to his parents Americo and Gladys in Medford MA. Bob’s family moved from Medford to Somerville, where Bob attended and graduated from Somerville high school in 1956. After graduating, Bob joined the work force, joining Raytheon as a drafter. He learned how talented he was at detailed drawing and embraced it. Just before the Vietnam War, Bob enlisted in the US Army where he again worked as a drafter.

 

It was clear that Bob was technically skilled with his drawing, and he made his career in it. When he wasn’t drawing for work, he enjoyed drawing and creating art as a hobby. He and is brother Billy began making signs in the basement of their parent’s home. This soon became more than a hobby and led to them starting their own sign company together in 1975 called Avey Art Display. Bob spent most of his time working with the clients’ designing layouts and ensuring that each and every sign was serving its purpose of delivering a clear and concise message. They worked together until they sold the business in 1991. Bob continued to work for the new owners until he himself retired.

 

In his off time, Bob spent his time relaxing by the water. He and his wife Charlene loved to visit Lake Winnipesaukee and Old Orchard Beach in Maine, where they continued to rent annually for 26 years. In Old Orchard Beach, Bob and Charlene would enjoy beautiful views of the water out the gigantic back window. Many of these scenes became the inspiration for Bob’s art. He drew influence from the gorgeous sunrises over of the water, and the stunning sunsets as the sky glowed red.

 

One of Bob’s proudest accomplishments is the creation of his “Family Tree”. Bob’s family tree became a living breathing document that was crafted over years of diligent research. He investigated the lineage of the Gioiosa family through researching libraries, cemeteries and other places of relevance. He reached out to extended family in Italy, tracing the family there. The “Family Tree” that Bob created had hundreds of entries of relatives, documenting who they were, where they lived, and what they accomplished. He made copies for all of this relatives, so everyone could enjoy the fruits of his labor.

 

When Bob needed a break from his hard work, he enjoyed relaxing by walking at Mystic Lakes, or watching the television, either watching whatever New England Sports team was playing that evening or his favorite TV show, Monk. Bob also blew off some steam with his famous magic tricks. He was a master of sleight of hand. He loved to show off his “disappearing penny” talent for whoever was with him; a waiter or waitress at whatever restaurant he chose that day, any of the many children throughout the family and even the nurses and doctors who were taking care of him over the last couple of years.

 

Bob was incredibly proud to be a grandfather to his grandchildren, Joe and Matthew. He proved you’re never too old to have fun. Bob loved to take his grandsons to Burger King where Bob always left wearing a crown. When Bob and Charlene were vacationing in Maine, Jay, Jean, Joe and Matthew came up to visit for a long weekend, getting to spend time together watching movies, flying kites on the beach and sharing memories.

 

Bob was the beloved husband of the late Charlene Gioiosa. He was the loving father of Jay Gioiosa and his wife Jean of North Grafton. Bob was the proud grandfather of Joe and Matthew Gioiosa. He was the caring brother to James Gioiosa and his wife Mary of Arizona, William Gioiosa and his wife Helen of Massachusetts, Edward Gioiosa of and his wife Barbara of Florida, and his late sisters Barbara Cella and Beverly Casarano.

 

The family would also like to take the time to thank the amazing ICU staff at Umass Memorial in Worcester for the amazing care they all provided Bob at the time he needed it most.

 

Funeral services for Bob will be private.

 

In lieu of flowers, please considering making a donation in Bob’s memory to the American Cancer Society, at www.cancer.org or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741