Iacarella Robert Iacarella Minneapolis has lost a special son. Robert Francis Iacarella passed away on Sunday, April 25th, after a long battle with lymphoma. He was 39 years old, just eleven days shy of his 40th birthday. Born and raised Northeast on the Hill, he was the sixth of seven children born to Lou and Lenore Iacarella in 1964. As friends and family gather to celebrate his life, he is remembered for his incredible laugh and his huge heart. The defining moment of Robert's life was the birth of his son Lucas in 1994. A single parent for many years, he was a devoted father, and in 1999, married the love of his life, Cristi. Son Evan is due to be born in May. During the last few weeks, a score of family and friends have sat vigil with Robert as he valiantly fought for his life. If a man's life is measured by the number of people he has touched, and the depth in which he is loved, Robert was among the Twin Cities' wealthiest citizens, as was his father, Lou Iacarella, who preceded him in death in 1984. He shall live on in the hearts of his family and friends, forever. Robert's spirit and warm embrace will be missed most by his son, Lucas and his wife, Cristi; by his mother, Lenore Beno, and stepfather, Don; by his brothers and sisters, Charles Iacarella, Cathy Iacarella, Jim Iacarella, Sue Kimball, Mike Iacarella, Mary Scott, and Jean Strauss; by his nieces and nephews, Maximo Iacarella; Taylor, Collin and Reed Iacarella; Justin, Madesyn and Chase Kimball; Jeremiah, Jennifer, Joseph, Veronica, and Luke Scott; and Kristoffer and Jonathon Strauss; by his father-in-law, Jerry Oakvik and wife T.J.; by brothers-in-law, Kevin Kimball, Kelly Scott, Jon Strauss, David Oakvik, Mike Oakvik, and Jon Oakvik; by sisters-in-law, Vicky Iacarella, Cheryl Iacarella, Cathy Smith, and Kathy Oakvik; by his aunts and uncles, John and Carolyn Iacarella, Frank Iacarella, Joseph and Donna Iacarella, and Bill and Pat Miklosey; by his cousins, Joe, Ann-Marie, Theresa, Philip, Roxanne, Michelle, Rita and Mary Beth Iacarella, and Sheridan and Lauren Miklosey; and by his many friends, including Lori and Marty Stamm, Jeff Olson, Sandy Zupon, Mary Bullock, Carolyn and Scott Streeter, Leslie Burchett, Steve and Darcy Olson, Ted and Cheri Ashton, Lisa Elliott, Nello and Tommi Rampi, and Shelly Wedel. The family would like to thank all the people at Parker Hughes, in particular Dr. Lundell, and the entire staff at the Fairview University BMT and ICU units, especially Russ Henderson. The family is also grateful to the staff at St. Michael's School and at Harriett Bishop Elementary, particularly Lucas's teacher, Kate Zweber. Visitation at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 701 NE Fillmore St., Minneapolis, Thursday, April 29, 9:30- 10 AM, with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10 AM. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, with a luncheon afterwards at St. Clement's Catholic Church. Memorials to Robert Iacarella Family Fund preferred in lieu of flowers. Billman-Hunt Chapel 612-789-3535
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.