He was born on November 8th, 1950 to Alfonso and Mary Ann Falanga in Gloversville, NY where he grew up with his older brothers Joe and Lou.
After graduating from Bishop Burke High School, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at the State University of New York at Albany, before pursuing a law degree at John Marshall Law School where he graduated Cum Laude.
In 1976, Robert joined the Georgia State Bar Association marking the beginning of his illustrious legal career as an Atlanta-based trial attorney. During the same year, he started his own law firm and became the founding partner at the Law Offices of Falanga & Chalker. For over forty years, he passionately represented his clients and tried hundreds of jury trials throughout the state of Georgia. His love for literature and law converged when he authored the published book, “Laying Foundations and Making Objections in the State of Georgia”. Over the course of his stellar career, he was nominated multiple times for the coveted Litigator of the Year Award by the esteemed American Institute of Trial Lawyers, which he triumphantly secured in 2022.
Beyond the courtroom, Robert’s competitive spirit thrived in various pursuits. His lifelong love of golf resulted in countless trophies and made him a sought-after companion on the course. His need for speed led him to the racetrack, where he drove Formula Atlantic race cars competitively. His fascination with modern machinery led him to collect hot rods and customize Harley Davidsons. His thirst for adventure took him around the globe, collecting passport stamps across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In most recent years he added photography and fly fishing to this list of pastimes. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandkids where he affectionately earned the name “PaPa”.
Robert is survived by his mother Mary Ann Falanga; his beloved wife of 42 years, Cindy Falanga; his son, Alex Falanga; his three daughters, Nicolette Falanga, Ashley Haygood, and Michelle Falanga; a daughter-in-law, Renata Falanga, a son-in-law, Wes Haygood, and a future son-in-law, Jon Venoy; his adored six grandchildren, Makenna Falanga, Jameson Dincans, Keelyn Dincans, Kinsley Falanga, Deanna Haygood, and Gunnar Venoy; his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Bonnie Falanga, and brother and sister-in-law, Lou and Judy Falanga. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfonso Falanga.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you donate to Oconee Regional Humane Society, a cause that was near and dear to Robert's heart as his beloved companion KeKe was adopted from a similar organization.
The family will be holding and streaming two separate memorial services to celebrate his life in both the Atlanta and Lake Oconee areas where he resided. The first service will take place on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 12:00pm at Saint Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek, GA. The second service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 1:00pm at Lake Oconee Church in Greensboro, GA. We extend a warm invitation to all who wish to join us in commemorating Robert's life and sharing cherished memories. Feel free to attend one or both services which will each be followed by a reception.
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