Robert James Gentile

Robert James Gentile, age 80, of Toms River, NJ and formerly of the Bronx, NY, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, NJ. Robert was born May 8, 1940 in New York, NY as the son of the late Rose and Anthony Gentile. Robert “Bobby” Gentile was a beloved man who wore many hats. Bobby was a wonderful son, nephew, brother, uncle, and stepfather, and this list could go on. Although Bobby had no children of his own, he was a father figure to many. There was never any question of what Bobby’s family meant to him because he showed it through his willingness to help, teach and care for them. If there was something Bobby could do to help, to make someone’s day better, he absolutely would. Bobby’s respect for women, care for children and love for animals was genuine. When Bobby’s favorite companion dog “Pudgy” was alive, Bobby would cook him gourmet meals and starve himself if he had to. Bobby was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures like feeding the squirrels in the park, baking with his nieces and nephews, game nights and game shows, and having Sunday morning buns and rolls with family. We can never forget his horses and how he loved to see them race (and occasionally bet on them too!). Bobby could tell a perfect cinnamon bun from the look of the dough, and some luckier than others were taught by Bobby how to make them although he would adjust the recipe a little every time. He could make anything into a “sangweech”, and if you’re thinking “what is that?” then you did not know Bobby well enough. In his late years, he enjoyed sitting in his recliner at home watching the races or game shows, playing whatever games of Sudoku and Kakuro he hadn’t beaten yet (which were very hard to find), and enjoyed homemade lentils. As Bobby’s body gave up on him, the strength of his spirit and his undying will to live confirmed that he truly was as strong as he looked. To say Bobby will be missed is an understatement because his memory will live on through the lives he touched, the cinnamon buns he made sure we knew how to make, the numerous card games he taught us how to play, and much more. We love you and will honor your memory always, Robert “Bobby” J. Gentile. Robert was one of seven children, and he was predeceased by his siblings Thomas Gentile, Mary Libertelli, Dominick Gentile and Joseph Gentile. He is survived by his brother Anthony Gentile and his sister Patricia DiRienzo; and many nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be conducted at Pinelawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735, at 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Those attending should meet at the cemetery office by 11:45 a.m., and will be escorted to the mausoleum. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DEliaFuneralHome.com for the Gentile family.