Robert Evangelist
Robert (Bob) Evangelist, 73, of Surprise, Az, formerly of Rome, passed away on January 30, 2021 with his beloved wife Lynn Militello Evangelist of 48 years by his side after a brief illness at Banner Del Web Hospital in Surprise, AZ..
Bob was a loving husband and devoted father to Christopher Robert (Nicole) and Jason Paul (Lisa) Evangelist. He leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Owen, Dominic, Rhianon and Cantyn Evangelist; two sisters, Delores “Dee” Swinney of Rome and Elaine (Frank) Crippen of Topsfield, MA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Carl (Debbie) Militello and Joseph (Nita Beckman) Militello and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Adolf and Mafalda Evangelist, his sister Rita Guglielmo, brother-in-law Ronald Swinney and in-laws Carl and Rafeala Militello.
Educated in Rome City Schools, Bob furthered his education and graduated from LeMoyne College in Syracuse in 1969. Bob returned to Rome and began his career as an educator in Rome City Schools as a teacher at Mary E. Parmalee Elementary School and Louis V. Denti Elementary School. In 1987, Bob had the honor of becoming the Principal of John E. Joy School, a position he held until he retired in 2004. He truly loved the Rome City School District and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the family at John E. Joy.
Bob was also devoted to supporting youth athletics in the City of Rome and was a coach at Rome Catholic High and Strough Junior High School. He also worked for the City of Rome Recreation Department as a Program Coordinator for many years. Upon his retirement, Bob moved out west and settled in Surprise, AZ. to help care for his in-laws who treated Bob as their third son.
Bob was a caring man who devoted his life to helping others whenever he could. He took great pride in seeing those he helped excel in life and knowing he took a small part in their successes.
Memorial services will be held in the spring. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.
Contributions may be made in Bobs’ name to the 21 Club, 28 Danberry Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 or St. John’s Endowment Fund, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, NY 13440.
