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BORN
1947
DIED
2021
Robert Gengo Obituary
Robert Gengo departed this life on Thursday, June 17, 2021, with merciful speed in his own home. Born on April 11, 1947 to Ralph and Veronica Gengo in Brooklyn, N.Y., Bob was raised in Connecticut. This may be a surprise to those familiar with his drawl which he himself dubbed 'affected southern'.
Bob worked as a tobacco and fruit picker, short order cook, and finally, carpenter. He made his home where he found his friends, from San Francisco, to Back Valley, West Virginia. After settling in Fincastle, Bob served on town council and then as Mayor from 2000-2006. Bob was a hippie and could communicate with anyone, but he led with pragmatism and believed in the humanity and equality of all people.
Bob loved building objects both beautiful and functional. He was known socially for holding court with a well-timed story at Dee's. He also explored America's wild places by traveling "the blue routes", from Florida to Alaska.
Bob is survived by his beloved children, Adam, Erin, and Morgan; their mother, Karen Thompson; and their children, Sebastian, Leila, and Adela. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Gengo-Bock, and his favorite nephew and niece, Jonathan and Rebecca Bock. With loving gratitude he leaves behind the people of Fincastle, his home and family of nearly four decades. In some universe he is surely reunited with those friends long departed, telling lies and drinking whiskey.
The family will host a memorial at Fincastle Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 6, 2021 at 3 p.m., followed by celebration of his life at the Kyle House. Email [email protected] for an invitation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gengo
4 Entries
Jeff Davis
July 20, 2021
Bob was a jack of all trades, and I'd argue a master of quite a few of them. He was so... happy. Whenever I drove through Fincastle, I could always count on seeing Bob out in his little Toyota truck, on the way to build something, fix something, or help someone. When I was 16, I helped him build the deck on the front of my parents' home, which still stands today. He was a leader, even on that small scale: kind, compassionate, patient. Gengo family (particularly his children), my prayers are with you as you work through, and begin to walk with, this loss.
Cathy Benson
July 14, 2021
Bob was a fine fella. In my reporter life he was happy to give a view and perspective of life as he saw it. And once he let me use the pencil he had behind his ear when my pen conked out. May he find joy as he would desire in the next realm.
Much sympathy to all of his family and friends.
Cathy Moniot
July 14, 2021
Condolences to the family. This obituary totally reflects Bob's personality. I would see him almost weekly at Fincastle Library for many years. He was a character. I will miss him.
Jerry Burgess
July 11, 2021
I am sorry to see this and send my sympathy to Bob's family. It was my pleasure to know him and work with him during his time as Mayor. Even if we disagreed we did so with mutual respect. I always enjoyed our conversations on any subject. May he rest in peace.
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