http://gcfuneralhome.com/obituary_view/10008177?candle=all
Paul, Pat and Liam, May 2, 2010
We all will miss our Bob-a Lanza. He was the best playmate a 7 year-old could have, a master thespian with a terrific set of pipes and an all around buddy to the non-theater literate. God bless and keep our dear friend. Both he and Kim are in our prayers.
Tracey, May 2, 2010
Way too many memories to list and I am so thankful for every single one of them. I will remember our awkward high school years right up through our times on stage together and our most recent Super Bowl parties. He was really getting to know the game! I love you and miss you and you and Kim will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Geoff and Laura Mihalenko, May 3, 2010
One of the kindest and most sincere people we've ever known. So many fond memories, from Parsons School all the way through college. Definitely the best lab partner, ever. The world is a far better place for the much-too-short a time you were in it. Our prayers are with the Lanza family.
Chris Carey, May 3, 2010
I had the great opportunity to sing with Bob in his vocal group, Cadence. He always had a positive attitude about everything and a genuine love of life. I will truly miss him here, but he will always be around in my thoughts and memories of the great times we had singing together. I am glad to call Bob and Kim friends.
Vaughan Hayden, May 3, 2010
I never had a better friend. Never wanted one. Bob could always make you feel at ease, and make you feel important. He had a love and a passion that was infectious. I am a better man for having known him. I will never forget the times we had, studying until all hours, getting cheesesteaks at Abners, and taking roadtrips. And I will never forget the joy he shared when talking about this girl he met on a mission trip with the Newman center, Kim. She filled his life with happiness and love that could only be surpassed by Jesus himself. I love you Bob.
Thom, May 3, 2010
A kinder, gentler, funnier man you'll never meet. A joy to sing to on stage and a blessing to know offstage. I miss you old friend...you, Kim, and your family will always be in my thoughts.
Mike Baruffi, May 3, 2010
I had the great pleasure of meeting Bob through Ridge Light Opera. What a pleasure it was to sing with him but it was an even greater pleasure to have him as a friend. What a tremendous man. Kind, gentle, fun , full of life and a heart of gold. I will never forget dinner at our house, good times in Sea Isle City, RLO and Summit Chorale rehearsals and the good times afterwards. I will miss him tremendously.
Murray, May 3, 2010
Bob was always a fun and upbeat person. I'm one of the many many people who had the delight of singing and performing with Bob. His voice was truly unique, his personality was a delight. I'll cherish the little things too, like his always calling me 'doc'. His very special voice will be in my head forever. Prayers and many warm thoughts going to Kim and Bob's family.
Christie Oakes, May 3, 2010
I will always cherish the memories I have rehearsing in September Song with Bob. His gentle sense of humor always made me smile. The stage lights will seem to shine a little less without Bob there. But I take comfort in knowing his light has not gone out, it just shines in a far better venue. My deepest sympathies to his entire family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many.
Beth Amiano Gleason, May 3, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Bob by way of September Song (RLO). He was one of those people who could shoot a smile out that was simply infectious. There was no doubt that he loved his Kim, his music, his theater, his friends I loved working with him but more than that, I loved to watch him perform and hear that lovely voice. It was obvious to all that he loved life and he will be sorely missed! I will always remember that voice, that talent, that sense of humor, and the abundantly nice man I came to know as my friend Bob Lanza. Kim, know that he let us all know how much he adored you - know that you are loved and have friends to help you through.
Jennifer Brooks, May 3, 2010
The world has lost a most wonderful human being. I have lost a dear friend I have known since the 4th grade. I am a better person for having had him in my life! My thoughts and heart are with Kim and the rest of the Lanza family.
John Simoes, May 3, 2010
I need to write a book to express my feelings towards one of my oldest and best friends, Bob Lanza. His loss is both shocking and unfair. Our friendship started through an enjoyment of each other's sense of humor and character. I will never forget our college dorm 'Archie Bunker nights', his constant singing while doing homework, his infinite patience and tolerance for my pranks, our mutually memorized movie lines, especially from classic mob movies...he could do a perfect de Niro imitation, our yearly dinner meetings. And this year, Bob and Kim's generosity in spending time with me and my family as I agonized over my mom's brain tumor diagnosis. Kim and Lanza siblings, you are in my prayers and thoughts. John
Kristen Turner, May 3, 2010
I never saw Bob without a smile, and his smile was brightest when I saw him onstage. I sometimes called Kim and Bob's answering machine twice - just to hear his singing. It always made me smile.
nadine haase, May 3, 2010
All of our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Lanza's wife, family and friends - we are so sorry for your loss - Bob was one of those beautiful people that you feel so blessed to have known - he was kind, funny, talented, a treasure who left the world way too soon! We'll miss you Bob, so very much.
Josh Lavender, May 4, 2010
It's hard to believe or accept. Bob was an amazing friend and person. He enriched my life and I feel blessed to have been his friend for 27 years. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to Kim and the entire Lanza family.
Jules, May 4, 2010
Remembering Bob Lanza My wife, Denise, and I met Bob and Kim at “The Hunt” some years ago. David Perelli always reserves a venue at this wonderful autumn fundraising event and Denise and I often attend at David’s invitation. From the get-go, Kim and Bob and I had in the common the fact that we were all graduates of Drexel University, which created an immediate bond. Further, Kim and I had grown up in the same area of southern New Jersey, not even two miles apart. Our difference in age, of course, created conversations where I would mention the name of an old friend and Kim would respond, “Oh, I know that name, I hung out with her daughter.” Unless you attended Drexel, the “Great Court” has little meaning. However, it was the bustling focal point of daytime college life at Drexel and the crossroads of the university. I always enjoyed the story Bob told of how he enticed Kim to the Great Court very late one evening, when it was void of students and pin-drop quiet, and proposed marriage to her. Bob was an Italian romantic, for sure. More recently, on Sundays when I took my daughter to swim team practice at the Bernardsville YMCA (just 2 miles from Bob and Kim’s home), I would occasionally call Kim and Bob to see if they were going to be home. If so, I would stop by with a bottle of red and we would share some wine, cheese and crackers and war stories about south Jersey or Drexel or Exxon. Finally, my daughter, Melissa, and I had the pleasure of seeing Bob and his a cappella group perform last fall at the Bernardsville library. We enjoyed the wonderful performance and the party afterwards at Bob and Kim’s home. I had my camera with me that day and posted the pictures I took to the following URL: http://julesbosch.smugmug.com/Events/The-Lanza/10102997_d2VmK#693830732_SHdvY RIP, Bob, you were well loved and will be sorely missed. Jules
Lauran Corson, May 4, 2010
Dear Bob, We will miss you so much! Our company was blessed by your ever ringing and incredible tenor voice!; our children loved listening to you and were motivated to sing "just like Bob"; your infectuous smile and personality that just simply lit up the room; your smirks when you looked at the Richard Strauss Tenor I part in "Ariadne" for our OPERAgeous; our late night commeraderie at the Thirsty Turtle and The Store; your incredible support to us Corsons through the past years......we have been honored to know you and I am certain there is a bright light above that says "there will always be a song in the skies for Bob Lanza!" Lauran, Bill, Alex, and Julie Corson
Joanna , May 4, 2010
It was an honor and priviledge to sing with Bob and to be the recipient of his great big smile, not to mention his sardonic wit!! RLO has brought many of us together as a family of singers and actors and we have just lost one of our happiest and most talented brothers. There aren't enough words to be able to describe how much Bob meant to me and to everyone else.... Kim, you are in my thoughts and heart. Joanna
Sue B, May 4, 2010
Bob was the most fun of all. He was always willing to joke and laugh, and go out after a RLO or SC rehearsal to continue the laughter. He obviously loved Kim, his work, his exchange students, his singing....everything he did was done with joy. I miss him already, especially the twinkle in his eye and his wonderful smile. Kim - take care of yourself and know that he's smiling down on you.
Beth, May 4, 2010
Heartfelt prayers to you Kim and the rest of Bob's family. There's a brighter star in heaven just for Bob. Bob was a lot of fun at RLO rehearsals. Besides being so darn nice, he also had a streak for just having fun. He made us laugh at times when laughing (or smirking trying not to laugh) wasn't what the scene called for. He did get a kick out of that...especially when he was turning pages for Lois and I was on stage. When Bob performed he lit up the stage with his smile, talent and love of the theatre. His easy going personality put the audience and other performers alike at ease. Watching Bob perform was quite special. Gone too soon, friend. You will be missed. And Kim, he loved you so much and was so proud of you. ~ Beth
Bill Corson, May 4, 2010
Bob,your voice! My what a natural high tenor... you compared to none I've EVER known. You were also SO willing to do all my shows and do whatever blocking I gave you. You learned your music at the drop of a hat and never complained about a single thing. Light-hearted, loveable, you were an amazing man and it was my God given privledge to know you!
Bill Schnitzerling, May 4, 2010
Geoff/Eileen I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my thoughts and prayers for your family. Sincerely Bill
Jim Casola, May 4, 2010
Bob, I will always remain in awe of your eagerness to try anything on the menu, hike off in the middle of winter to pitch a tent with friends, or take less traveled roads and call it a vacation; of your generosity of spirit, and willingness to light the path or the fireplace for any who entered the wide circle of your love. Thanks for the great times Chris and I spent with you and Kim and Amazing Tribe Lanza. See you later, Jim
Marcos Aldrich, May 4, 2010
Bob, Even thought that we have meet for only one year in the Merck Puerto Rico Project, you have been a good partner, good guide and best of all a good friend. I will keep you in my memories.
Debbie, May 4, 2010
I got the honor of performing with Bob in "Lucky Stiff" back in 2007. He played the hilarious Luigi/Tony, and he cracked all of us up every night! He was truly one of the most wonderful and genuine people I have ever met. It was so much fun to perform with him, and he was nice to everyone...nobody had one bad word to say about him. I had hoped I would get to work with him again in the future and am so saddened to hear of his passing. The world has lost a truly wonderful human being. All of my love to his family.
Maureen and Jim Capone, May 4, 2010
Dear Kim, Our prayers, and love go with you and Bob’s family at this time of tremendous loss. Jim and I are shocked at Bob’s passing. Our hearts break for you. Bob was a joy to know and he so influenced our travel life that we will never forget him. Not long ago, we went to Italy on the “Bob Lanza plan.” We bought our backpacks and shoes at the places Bob and Kim suggested. We packed the things that Bob and Kim suggested. We found out what a ‘neoprene’ shampoo bottle was and that it was so important in backpack travel. They introduced us to the right travel books and explained that you rip out each chapter as you visit a city so you no longer have to carry the weight in the backpack. Most of all, we met with Bob and Kim before we left to talk about how to travel ‘frugally’ and I in particular, couldn’t wait to return and report to Bob as to how frugal we had been. You see I kept a book with every dollar and euro we spent so that he could be proud of how well we had followed the ‘Bob Lanza Plan’. We will remember him always as we ‘travel’ through the rest of our lives. The world has lost the wonderful ‘voice’ of Bob Lanza.
Kevin Runion, May 4, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. His wit and good work ethic made it a pleasure to work with him. Kevin
Norman and CJ, May 4, 2010
Bob was a pleasure to work with onstage and a lot of fun offstage. We did two shows together, what a beautiful voice he had. Although we hadn't see him in years, you never forget the friends you make while doing a show together.
Maureen Stryker, May 4, 2010
What husband would give up a night to attend a parent workshop given by his wife and two other teachers? Years ago when Kim was beginning her quest of sharing her knowledge and skills as a presenter it was Bob who stood in the back of the room as Kim's silent strength and encourager. They were the perfect team---loving and respecting each other as they wrote the chapters of their lives. What a gift Bob was to Kim--
Ruth Heller, May 4, 2010
Dear Kim, There is no way I can fully express how sorry I am about Bob's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and for a long time to come.
Raul Rocca, May 4, 2010
I met Bob at a consulting job he did in Beaumont, Texas. Although we didn't share a lot of time, he was one of those persons that you are glad to have met in your life. I've got to know that he loved Argentina, and the great job he and Kim were doing hosting young exchange students. A great person that will remain in the hearts of all people that knew him.
Myrna and Cal Lavender, May 4, 2010
As neighbors on Quince Place, we knew Bob since he was 14. Our son, Josh, and Bob were best friends through school. We are so saddened to hear this tragic news of Bob's untimely death. He was a wonderful guy in every way. He will be missed and loved forever. May God give you the strength to cope with this devastating loss.
Diane & Neil Rosen, May 4, 2010
We lived down the block on Quince Place. I have memories of Bobby carpooling as a child, getting tipsy at a BBQ as a teen and as an adult two years ago attending our daughter's wedding. Bobby was always a special person. Our sympathies to Kim and the entire Lanza family.
Jennifer & Mike Costagliola, May 4, 2010
There is no way to express the light and joy that Bob brought to his friends, except to say it was a gift. He always lit up a room with his smile and laughter and made us all better for it. I was blessed to sing along side him and call him and "Old Friend"...and will ALWAYS hear his voice. Kim, he adored you - and I'm glad he found your love. Our love and prayers are with you and the Lanza's at this time. Thank you Bob for being you...you made our lives richer just knowing you. I will see you again, one day, old friend!
Joanne Apgar, May 4, 2010
I am a close friend of Sandy and Guy Pellicane. I have followed your family thru Sandy. I followed Bob's illness and chemotherapy treatments years ago as well as his recovery. I know he had a big bend in his road to recovery. I am an oncology nurse. He did recover and went on with his life. But life was short for Bob. I read the lighted candles and know he was a kind wonderful husband and friend to you. Sometimes I look in the sky and think God has some other plans for people. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always.
Rose Cooke, May 5, 2010
I remember the first time I called the Lanza home, and the Broadway musical greeting that resonated from the answering machine. "What a character!" I thought to myself. Though I only had the privilege of spending time with Bob on two or three occasions, it was easy to see that he was the real deal.The deep respect and admiration Bob and Kim felt for one another was truly enviable.Bob was the man behind the scenes when Kim "rehearsed" her parent presentations and he always had her back! His amazing talents will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Scott Murphy, May 5, 2010
The Lanza Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time. I got to know Bob quite well while Greg was in the hospital last year. He and I cleaned the pool together, dined together, cried together and prayed together with Sue for Greg. He was such a kind and senstive guy, and we shared so much in common. We both shared a love for music and singing, as I was in an acapella group as well...so, one memory....while sitting bedside with Greg in ICU, we listed to our favorite acapella songs. We might have even busted out in song a few times. He became a true friend (brother.....from another mother). Wendy and I are thinking of you Bob.
Erik Kent, May 5, 2010
Bob and I sang together in the a capella group "Vito & The Twilights" for almost 10 years and I feel blessed to have had Bob as a friend. His passion for life and music resonated with every note he sang and through every performance. Here's a link to a photo slideshow of some fun memories together, set to his lead on "December 1963 (Oh, What A Night)" ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o3_1BJi9aA
Marylea, May 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and the Lanza family. I had the priviledge of knowing Bob through the RLO productions. His patience and good humor were ever present as costumes were tried, pinned even sewn onto him. He always had a smile and a song and his positive spirit will live on with all who knew him.
Robin Hansen, May 6, 2010
Dearest Kim - Words cannot express the depth of sadness that I am feeling for you at the loss of your sweetheart, Bob. I loved to hear the stories of your traveling adventures and even more, enjoyed seeing Bob perform or hearing of the latest singing adventure. I may not live closeby, but please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers for months to come. Fondly, Robin
Laura Greenwald, May 6, 2010
A light has gone out from our lives, a new star shines in heaven and there’s definitely a better tenor section in the heavenly choir! I had the privilege of “teaching” and singing with Bob for several years. I’m not sure how much I “taught” him, as he came to me with the most natural, easy tenor voice I have ever heard. We explored lots of repertoire and I was always amazed at how quickly he learned music and how easily he absorbed and sang in different styles, from Baroque to Broadway. He studied opera and oratorio arias, art songs, lieder, and musical theatre. He sang at the NATS auditions one year and performed Ernesto’s “Com’ é gentil” and the duet “Tornami a dir che m’ami” with my students and me on a scenes program at Caldwell College. He even auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera Chorus! I would have been terrified, but Bob had a great attitude about pursuing his dreams. I loved visiting with him about the international travels that he and Kim would take. And when you first bought your home, he would come to his lessons and talk about the new “home projects” he was trying to do himself. It’s been several years since I’ve seen you both, but I will always remember his wonderful, positive attitude, his beautiful tenor voice and how much he loved you, Kim. My heart and thoughts are with you. With love, Laura Greenwald
