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Robert Iafolla Obituary
Bob was born in Dedham, Mass., and moved to Portsmouth as a child. He attended Governor Dummer Academy and was a graduate of the Class of 1953.
After graduating high school, he ran the family business with his brothers and completed his degree at UNH in the meantime. It was during this time he met and married the love of his life, Barbara. Their life and family together were his greatest accomplishments. He then ventured into starting his own management and consulting firm where he worked until his final days.
Education was incredibly important to Bob. He believed that education is the basis of the salvation of society, which is evident in his service on the Portsmouth School board. His dream job would have been teaching, as he loved working with kids and helping them reach their highest potential. Bob's passion for educating and helping others manifested in his career as a high school football coach. Bob saw things in his players that they often did not see in themselves.
A devout Catholic, he was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish. He modeled his faith by his volunteer work and involvement in local organizations. He was a truly positive influence on the community.
We will miss his captivating stories and wisdom. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all. A loving husband, father, brother, uncle, Bumpa, and coach, he is now reunited with Barbara, his wife of 60 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Deb, and longtime companion Tim Lawler of Portsmouth; daughter Deedee (Stillman) and husband Allyn of Portsmouth; son, John, and wife Kirsten of Rye; grandchildren: Bobby, Jennie and husband Ben, Mark, and Ally of Portsmouth, and Dom and Gabby of Rye, as well as many nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: Visitation hours will be held at Farrell Funeral Home, 684 State St. in Portsmouth on Monday, Dec. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St. in Portsmouth, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Patrick Academy (In Memory of Bob Iafolla) 315 Banfield Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Iafolla
Sponsored by Farrell Funeral Home, Inc..
Debra Gitschier
January 3, 2020
Dee Dee and to all the Iafolla family, my deepest condolences and prayers are with you all. May God bless and watch over all of you during this difficult time and years to come. Cherish all your beautiful memories spent together and rememberences of all that your father has done during his life for his family and so many in the community, he'll be missed by many.
Prayers for you all,
Deb (Lajoie) Gitschier
Scott Pafford
January 1, 2020
Thoughts and Prayers to the Iafolla family at this difficult time! Much love!
Julie Grasso
December 31, 2019
DeeDee, sorry for the loss of your dad.
December 30, 2019
When you meet a mind that thinks and talks like yours does, it's close to a blessed event. Author unknown.
Bob's wisdom, authentic dialogue and rock-like steadfastness was a blessing in my life.
I am a better person having known him.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Hugs, Susanne
Jeff Thacher
December 30, 2019
John, Deedee and Debbie,
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great man and will always be remembered in the seacoast community and beyond. Our sympathies to your entire family for your loss. R.I.P.
Jeff and Amanda
Ron Woods
December 29, 2019
Bob was one of the best people I have ever known. RIP Bob. My sincere condolences to his family.
Todd Hanson
December 29, 2019
So sorry to hear Bob's gone. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all. I considered him a mentor and friend, he had my utmost respect.
Paul Whitcomb
December 28, 2019
Always a smile, a helping hand and in his day, he was a positive influence and mentor to a lot of young people in Portsmouth.
Peter Weeks
December 28, 2019
You have lost a great father and grandfather, the community has lost a great friend and contributor in so many ways. He will be missed. Our sympathy with you in these difficult times.
Patrice Walker Berk
December 28, 2019
Deedee, Deb and John,
I am so sadden to hear of your Father's death. I certainly know how you feel. I have such fond memories of your Dad and of course your Mom too. I will always appreciate his friendship to my Father.
I wish I could be there to show my respects. Please accept my most sincerely condolences and know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I think there are only a few Turkeys left!!
Much love, Patrice
Gay and Gardner Congdon
December 28, 2019
Our love and condolences to all of the family and particularly to John, Kirsten, Gabby and Dom whose grandpa meant the world to them. We are so sorry for your loss❤
Walter Hett
December 28, 2019
Although we did not connect again in adult life, I have fond memories of our teen years growing up across the street on Peverly Hill Rd. Rest in peace, my friend.
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