Robert Allen Gulomb

Gulomb, Robert Allen
Robert Allen Gulomb age 63 of Milford, the beloved husband of Livia DeFilippis Barndollar Gulomb, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 24, 2015 with his family by his side. Born in Norwich to the late Stanley and Nettie Gulomb, Bob was a lifelong Connecticut resident. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy and later from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Bob spent a lifetime creating. His work included sculpture, building a boat from a reclaimed hull, and designing commercial and personal spaces. He worked many years for Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and before that for Connecticut Savings Bank. From when he was in his 20's to recent years, Bob fostered his work through his company, Artificial Red Unlimited, alluding to his favorite color, which he incorporated into most of his sculptures.
Bob was a gifted artist and designer, and his vision for the abstract was apparent. His artwork has been installed publicly across Connecticut and as far as Maryland and Florida, and his many sculptural creations continue to grace the homes of his family and friends. His creativity was pervasive, and those who knew him or viewed his work will always remember his uniquely spirited artistic talent. Whether he was building metal sculpture, constructing art that transitioned or was consumed, designing commercial and household furnishings, helping his sons with school projects, dreaming up imaginative Halloween costumes for his and the neighborhood children, or decorating his house for the holidays, Bob's work was always exceptional and emblematic of his signature style. Bob never shied away from impermanence, particularly in his sculpture, and his warm humor permeated all of his creations.
Beyond abstract fine art and design, Bob's other passion was sailing. He was a longtime member of the Milford Yacht Club and the Sachem's Head Yacht Club, and he spent many of his happiest (and most stressful) moments in competitive sailboat racing. He sailed in countless races and regattas around the world. He was proud to be the overall winner of the 1987 Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race.
Most of all, Bob had boundless energy and authentic interest in everyone and everything around him. He developed textured relationships with countless people and loved to celebrate others' happiness. He had a gift and a thirst for thinking outside of the box, resolving thorny technical issues, always with a dedication to the origin and authenticity of whatever came before. His curiosity and generosity of spirit were unflagging.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving sons, Todd Andrew Barndollar of Brooklyn and Kyle Braden Barndollar of Manhattan. He will also be missed by his sister, Judy Pettini and her husband, Fred of Ledyard; his father-in-law, Anthony C. DeFilippis, Sr. formerly of Stamford; his brothers-in-law, Anthony C. DeFilippis, Jr. and his wife, Sarah Conrod DeFilippis of West Hartford, and David J. DeFilippis, M.D. and his wife, Jeannie Kelly DeFilippis of Richboro, PA; his sister-in-law, Lucia DeFilippis Dressel and her husband, John of Middlebury; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as his beloved cats, George and Melissa. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mae Anne Agostino DeFilippis.
Friends are invited to greet his family on Friday, August 28, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Rd. in Fairfield Center. On Saturday, August 29, 2015, a Mass will be held in his honor at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Gabriel Church, 26 Broadway in Milford. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations can be made to Hopital Albert Schweitzer, www.hashaiti.org, or to Beth-El Center, 90 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT 06460. Sail on Sailor. We love you!
To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.