Rug made by Momma G
May 19, 2010
Their first apartment in Madison,NJ
bob
May 18, 2010
bob you will be missed greatly i miss eating sidewinders and sausage and broccoli rabe sandwiches with you in sea isle city. sea isle will not be the same without you
May 18, 2010
by luke lanza
Uncule Bob and Me at Wildwood 2009 In NJ Sea Isle City.
Uncle Bob
May 18, 2010
by luke lanza
Uncle Bob is going to be missed forever. I loved Him so much. I cant belive he is gone. He was only 40 and the baby in his family.
May 12, 2010
Dear host-father Bob,
When I was 16, I came to the United States to spend a year as an exchange student and you and Kim made me feel welcome in your family right from the beginning. You have been a wonderful host-father and you and Kim made the year I stayed with you guys to an unforgettable experience. You and Kim gave me the feeling of belonging to your family and treated me as a family member. We share a lot of memories and special moments we spent together : days at the Jersey shore, the week at the beach house, rafting on Delware river, the days we spent in NYC, ice skating in Central Park, broadway shows, skiing, "Bike NY", our trip to Washington DC, all the family gatherings and all the states and places you took me to, lazy evenings in the hot tub, listening to your rehersals, your wonderful cooking, all of our talks... I wouldn`t want to miss one day of it. I will never forget how much fun we had, how much laughing and joking there was and how wonderful host-parents you and Kim are. You guys gave me the opportunity to understand an other culture and with you I was able to experience the American way of life. I`m thankful for everything. Very special to me and my family were the days when you and Kim were staying with us in Germany. I`m / we are so glad that we got the chance to know you. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
There are people who are so wonderful that I think: this must be an angel. Bob, you were such a person. God bless you. I miss you! Love, Stef
Memories shared on the Gallaway & Crane website
May 11, 2010
by Sam Girgenti
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Remembering Bob Lanza My wife, Denise, and I met Bob and Kim at %u201CThe Hunt%u201D some years ago. David Perelli always reserves a venue at this wonderful autumn fundraising event and Denise and I often attend at David%u2019s 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, %u201COh, I know that name, I hung out with her daughter.%u201D Unless you attended Drexel, the %u201CGreat Court%u201D 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%u2019s 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%u2019s 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
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
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
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.
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
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!
Geoff/Eileen I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my thoughts and prayers for your family. Sincerely Bill
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
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.
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.
Dear Kim, Our prayers, and love go with you and Bob%u2019s family at this time of tremendous loss. Jim and I are shocked at Bob%u2019s 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 %u201CBob Lanza plan.%u201D 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 %u2018neoprene%u2019 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 %u2018frugally%u2019 and I in particular, couldn%u2019t 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 %u2018Bob Lanza Plan%u2019. We will remember him always as we %u2018travel%u2019 through the rest of our lives. The world has lost the wonderful %u2018voice%u2019 of Bob Lanza.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. His wit and good work ethic made it a pleasure to work with him. Kevin
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.
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--
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
A light has gone out from our lives, a new star shines in heaven and there%u2019s definitely a better tenor section in the heavenly choir! I had the privilege of %u201Cteaching%u201D and singing with Bob for several years. I%u2019m not sure how much I %u201Ctaught%u201D 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%u2019s %u201CCom%u2019 ?entil%u201D and the duet %u201CTornami a dir che m%u2019ami%u201D 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 %u201Chome projects%u201D he was trying to do himself. It%u2019s been several years since I%u2019ve 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
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A Wonderful Friend and Neighbor
May 9, 2010
by Ann Jordan
When Bob and Kim moved next door to me 10 years ago, my first thought was “What will this young couple have in common with a 79 year old woman?” It didn’t take long to discover that Bob was a Godsend to me. From the very beginning, he asked me to be sure to let him know if he could help me in any way. Throughout the years he would carry my garbage can in, shovel my sidewalk, put my air conditioner in for the season, or just stop by for a chat.
Even though he traveled often, he would stop by after returning home to let me know he was back in case I needed him for anything. Just last month I had fallen and was taken to the hospital. When my daughter arrived at my house at midnight, she saw Bob in his kitchen and went over to tell him what had happened. When she discovered she couldn’t get into the house, Bob began to help her try to “break in” to the house so she could get some of my things.
Bob and I had many interesting conversations about one of his favorite subjects – food! He would sometimes stop by when I would be cooking. If it was a dish he wasn’t familiar with I would ask him to try it. When I asked him if he liked it, his response would be “I like everything!!” When I made something I knew he and Kim liked, I would call him up to have him stop by for some. And when he cooked something he thought I might like, he did the same.
I can’t think of a time when Bob wasn’t smiling; he had a genuine love of life and people that was evident in everything he did. He was well liked by all of our neighbors and knew most of my friends and relatives as well.
And, the music . . . I won't ever forget the music!! I was fortunate to have been able to attend some of Bob's musical performances, and they were spectacular. He had such a wonderful voice, and he truly enjoyed sharing his talent with others.
When I heard the heartbreaking news of Bob's untimely passing, I was especially shocked because he had just been at my house earlier that day helping me to open some windows.
I will forever miss his kindness, generosity, friendship, and warm smile, but he will always remain in my prayers and in my heart.
Ann
Godspeed Bobby
May 8, 2010
"the leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul"
Rest well my brother. I will always cherish our discussions those mornings in starbucks, being by you side during chemo treatments and the boundless joy of your home, of your beloved Kim and incredible spirituality. In saddened me in later years that because of my own life decisions disappointed you-- but it came to me these last several days it was because of your complete and total devotion to your beautiful and special sister--the way it should be. I could never repay what you gave to me and Pete during the preperation of Artie's service and will hear the chant of "Davey Baby" forevermore.
Living a life worth meaning and leaving without regrets is something to strive and I thank you . When you leave this earth the only thing you take with you is what you've given away-- I know of no one who left richer.
A More Complete Story
May 6, 2010
by John Simoes
Hi Kim.
I decided to write some more thoughts and memories I have about Bob. Sorry if I repeat myself.
I don't remember exact days or times but my 1st memory of Bob was when I was a freshman @ Drexel and started attending a somewhat dysfunctional campus Christian group named Drexel Christian Fellowship (DCF).
Bob attended this group for a little while until they had a guest speaker come in who said some offensive things about Catholics, at which point Bob walked out, never to return (who can blame him?).
Anyway, I liked Bob and we managed to maintain some sort of contact through the years until our senior year, when we decided to room together @ Myers Hall, in a freshman wing (my somewhat misguided idea to maybe be a sort of 'big brother' to incoming freshmen).
Let's just say Bob and I living together probably had the opposite effect as far as being an example to the freshmen. We played pranks of each other, yelled at each other in mock new york / italian accents (we had a thing about watching mafia movies), had weekly 'bunker nights' where we would watch "All in the Family" reruns and sometimes be joined by neighbors (great teacher, that Archie).
I played most pranks on Bob, who, bless his heart, was a great sport. There was the times I would place a cupful of water on top of the door so when he walked in, he'd get drenched (he learned to kick the door open after a few drenchings). Or sometimes I would tie his desk drawer with a rubber band so it would slam shut when he tried to open it, yelling 'John I can't stand you!!'. One night, he got up and ripped my bed sheets from under me at which point I got up and did the same to him, grabbed a bottle of glass cleaner and proceeded to corner him, spraying him. All he had was a salt shaker near him so he threw salt on me, the whole time, both of us were giggling like 2 girls.
He could dish it out too. Many times I would be showering and he would throw debris or cold water into the stall as he walked by. Other times, while in the toilet stall, Bob would walk past, kick the door open and run out. and I can never forget unknowingly sleeping with a piece of spam under my covers until I noticed it the next morning, at which point Bob exploded in laughter on the upper bunk. All the time we would be calling each other 'you piece of trash!' or 'I'm gonna put your head in a waffle iron.' or 'no respect!', or some inappropriate slurs aimed at my South American or his Italian heritages.
Bob also was very protective of me as a friend, as evidenced by his referral to a lady who broke up with me in Drexel as 'the Trashwoman' from the break up on.
After graduation, we, along with Dave Keener and Linford Martin decided to torture ourselves by canoeing Maine's Allergash waterway for 80 miles during the thick of 'black fly season'. I remember the nets we used on our heads to keep from being bitten and how at night we had to run into our tents and quickly zip them closed to minimize the number of flies that would enter with us. Bob would then smash each one of them against the tent walls and yell 'dead!' each time he got one.
Our citronella and deet insect repellant was useless against these flies and actually seemed to attract them. We did not find much relief until we got a can of a 'mystery' spray from another canoer who happened to work for the phone company by fixing the wire posts. This can merely said 'Fugbug' and had a warning that some ingredients were unknown, but boy, it worked wonders!!! Every time someone complained of flies Bob would toss the can to them, saying 'Fug'em!' Also, who could forget the 'gorp' (peanuts, raisins and M&M's) trail mix and hot spam and eggs for breakfast.
Over the years, we would see each other at least once a year and have dinner, watch a movie and chat. I eventually moved to Michigan, but we maintained our annual 'meetings', sometimes I would visit him, sometimes he would see me while near Philly and he flew a couple of times to Michigan. We always made a point of dining at a good restaurant, Italian, Indian, Japanese or Mongolian.
I was astounded at his positive attitude during his bout with cancer, maintaining a sense of humor about his situation.
I once asked if his faith was affected by his disease and his response was: 'not really, I just figured shit happens.' And once, when Kim complained about a bad hair day, Bob responded with 'hey, at least you got hair'.
I truly felt liked and appreciated by Bob. He sought me out, we truly enjoyed each other's company. As recently as this February, he made the effort to drive down to Jefferson Hospital to provide support to me as I stayed with my mom while she was being treated for cancer. His being in remission from his cancer for over a decade by that point serving as a living encouragement to me and my family. I will never forget his warm embrace as I wept in fear of losing my mother and sadness at seeing her suffer.
I still have not fully absorbed this loss of such a great friend and don't expect to ever fully accept the vaccum Bob's untimely departure from this world has left.
I love you, Bob and look forward to seeing you again, till then, I leave you in Jesus' care.
Good bye, my brother, I truly love you as such.
John
Super Bowl stories
May 5, 2010
by Tracey Fama
I have so many great memories of Bobby over the years. Most of them involve Bob and I eating copious amounts of food loaded with garlic!
Since we all know that Bob wasn't exactly a sports nut, I was very surprised to receive a call from him a few years ago asking if he could come watch the Super Bowl with me because he knew I would be watching and he thought the game might be a "pretty big deal."
We got gourmet pizza and Kim sent him over with a bag full of Lindt truffles (we ate everything!) and started watching the game. Rabid New York Giants fan that I am, I yelled at the TV, "The Giants cannot settle for field goals when they get in the red zone against the Patriots in the Super Bowl!!" Bob's reply was, "that's right they can't!!! What is the red zone?"
Our Super Bowl "parties" have been a tradition for the past three years. Next year won't be the same. Nothing will ever be the same. I have called this beautiful man my friend for over 25 years. You will always be in my heart.
May 4, 2010
by John Hammel
I don't have any great singular story to relate. Just a deep appreciation and the honor of having known Bob and worked with him over the past ten years with Ridge Light.
Carmen and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was one of the most sincere, sweetest and kindest souls we have ever met. A gently caring man whose dedication to his craft was balanced with a warm and engaging sense of humor and an enviable work ethic.
Some of the most memorable moments I have of Ridge Light Opera productions were not performance highlights (although there have been many of those) but were more the simple pleasures of sharing a laugh and talking about our families and hobbies backstage either during rehearsals or shows.
I know Bob will be greatly missed but I am also certain that his spirit lives on not only as part of the vastness of God's creation but in the powerful impact and love he had for his immediate and extended family.
John Hammel and Carmen Artis
P.S. I am also forever in Bob's debt for his turning me on to Guerriero's in Morristown!
An example of service ...
May 3, 2010
... Since the time we met through the Newman Center and the trip to West Virginia we connected.
We were so happy when you accepted our invitation to be our baby girl Goddaughter and didn't even blink an eye to say you would come to Argentina.
Thanks for being an amazing example to Camila.
I wish I would have not taking you for granted and had put a bigger effort to keep in touch more these past few years.
We'll miss you.
Pablo
Meat and fat!!
May 3, 2010
by John Simoes
Bob and I roomed together in Drexel and this is him after a very satisfying meal of dinty moore beef stew.
Enjoying food was one of the great ways we bonded, shared stories, and laughed like 2 idiots.
I still remember how back at the dorm, he liked to throw food in the microwave, slam the door, set the timer and yell at the food 'COOK!!'.
We tried Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Japanese and of course Italian food every time we met, which after I moved to Michigan became at least a yearly event . He introduced me to Victor's, a great restaurant where the waitstaff sings arias to the patrons.
I think to Kim's horror, we also enjoyed a good mafia movie and I was really looking forward to dining with him at a Philly restaurant named 'Joe Pesce'.
There were many inside jokes and sayings we shared. Many of which a bit offensive :) like the times we would quote lines from Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing', or 'All in the Famliy', an old sitcom Bob introduced me to.
There was the time when us and a bunch of freshmen were in our room in Myers hall watching All in the Family when several of our 'guests' started to yell obsenities. I almost fell over with laughter when Bob yelled : 'HEY! This is a Christian room, GET THE HELL OUT!!!
I remember seeing him act in the 'Forum' play @ Drexel, hearing his cover of Vaughn Hayden's song 'Calling out', both the official and 'unofficial' versions.
And more recently, his warm embrace as I wept in Jefferson Hospital after seeing my mother's despair in having just been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Last time we spoke, last week, seems so trivial now in comparison, litlle did I know it was the last time we spoke when I gave him some car advice on whether to fix or sell the their Mazda Miata.
I do and will miss you terribly, Bob.
Kim, you and Bob made such a great pair, you are in my prayers. I ask that Jesus's presence is very real, heartfelt and soothing to you as you mourn Bob's untimely passing.
God bless you and the Lanza family.
John
A Note of Thanks
May 3, 2010
by jim casola
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, take roads less traveled and call it a vacation, of your generosity of spirit, and willingness to light the path or the fireplace for any who entered into the very wide circle of your love.
Thanks for the great times Chris and I shared with You and Kim and Amazing Tribe Lanza.
See you later,
Jim
A poem of love by Camila (his Canadian/Argentinean goddaughter)
May 3, 2010
I seek to find the love
in every heart I'll find
there's always some for everyone
no matter of the kind
It blooms in every single soul
when paired with someone kind
together it will live forever
even in the deepest times
Even when the soul is gone
Our love will still remain
it burns with us through dusk and dawn
our hearts won't ever be tamed.
Lanza Beach Week
May 3, 2010
Lots of laughter, good food, and drinks at sundown on the beach. Sea Isle City will never be the same without you. Boogie boarding, washer game, Yahtzee, chess, snoozing in the sun, miniature golf with the kids, sausage and brocolli rabe sandwiches, sidewinder sandwiches, and a cold beer after a hot day. So many good times and amazing memories that we willl always hold close to our hearts. We Love You, Bob.
Enjoying each other
May 3, 2010
6/2008
A moment alone @ Sam & Lisa's wedding.
Having a ball
May 3, 2010
Dancing with his beautiful new sister-in-law, Lisa
May 3, 2010
June 2008
Bob dancing with Aunt Pat @ Sam & Lisa's Wedding
Mark Flanagan, Kim & Joanie Flanagan
May 3, 2010
Honduras!
Kim & Bob in Honduras
May 3, 2010
While on one of their many trips they were lucky enough to spend time with Kim's cousin Mark and his wifw Joanie who reside in Honduras.
White House in AC with Momma G
May 3, 2010
I met up with Bob to see Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge at the Hilton in AC. Of course the trip wouldn't be complete wthout his first trip to the "White House" to sample their "hoagies,"some people call them subs He loved the whole experience of having to wait to be told you could enter the store,from the little waiting area. I had to snap this picture with my cell phone to capture the moment in his quest for the perfect Italian hoagie. After eating he smiled, sighed and said" it was good but it's not a Primo. Just one of many,many happy times with my 2nd son , not only my son-in-law,my heartfelt friend.
Love,Momma G
Curlig in Canada
May 3, 2010
Men did we have a blast. This was in December 2009. Kim and Bob had come for a visit to Calgary to visit us. Camila, my daughter and their godaughter was soooo excited about seing them again. On this trip we introduced Kim and Bob to curling, a Canadian delicacy. We went to this rink for 2 hours to try curling. We were surrounded by seniors with years of experience that were kind enough not to laugh and give us advise and instructions to how to play this "olympic" sport. I have a video of him pushing the rock and his happy face for being able to get it to the other side. I have known Kim and Bob since university and I have so many great memories!! You will be missed and you were well loved by many.