WATERTOWN, NY — Robert F. Comenole, 81, a lifelong resident of Watertown, died peacefully Monday, Sept. 17, at the Samaritan Keep Home surrounded by his family.
Born Oct. 21, 1936, a son of Anna May and Harold N. Comenole, “Bob” was the baby of the family to brother Tom and sister Bev. He never ceased telling stories about growing up on his beloved Bowers Avenue, recalling so many childhood adventures with his good friends: the Gaffney’s, Countryman’s, Abare’s and Osborne’s, among so many others. Bob graduated from Watertown High School in 1954, and entered military service later that year with the United States Air Force.
After his discharge he and his brother Tommy embarked on what would become a career in auto mechanics. The brothers worked the farm system, first at Harrigan’s Atlantic and then at Bert Mabe’s Shell before entering the big leagues: purchasing their own Texaco station in 1959 on Washington Street’s “Gasoline Row.” Residents fondly remember “Comenole Brothers Texaco.” For two decades they toiled there on the corner of Washington St. & Barben Avenue, selling the station in 1978, when Bob retired.
Bob married Patricia Ann Siragusa in 1957, and they remained wedded until 1974; together they had four children. He married Remia Zapanta on July 26, 1994, celebrating their 24th anniversary this summer.
Bob loved to sing, and on many occasions would pair up with his brothers Joey and Benny Siragusa, crooning out one Marty Robbins tune or another. The three of them belted out all the classics, including “One Day at a Time,” “Some Memories Just Won’t Die,” “King of The Road,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Bob was an avid fan of the NY Mets and NY Knicks. His favorite of all-time, however, was the now defunct Brooklyn Dodgers, and you might have seen him in recent years being driven around town in his blue transport van festooned with the Brooklyn Dodgers logo.
Bob also enjoyed his pet Butchie.
He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. One thing that Bob was known for above all others: his depthless devotion to his children.
He is survived by his wife Remy, and his children, Robert Joseph, New Hampshire; Steven Craig, Phoenix (Anne Marshall, d. 2009); and Michael Leigh, Albany, NY. Also surviving are his brother Thomas (Barb), Port Orange, FL, and sister Beverly Stewart (Gerald), Commerce, MI. Grandchildren include Jamie Lynn Comenole Teich (Alex), Houston; Adrienne Comenole Smith (Brad), Land-o-Lakes, FL; Randy Comenole (Kylie Hofbauer), Watertown; and Kaylan, Madelyn, Penelope and Quentin Comenole, Albany, NY. Grandchildren include Edith Inez Teich, Anasophia and Stephen James Smith, Land-o-Lakes, FL; and Carter Comenole, Watertown.
Bob was predeceased by his mother, Anna May, 1985, his father Harold,1993, and infant son, David Michael, 1960.
Calling hours will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, 135 Keyes Ave, Watertown. A prayer service will begin at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church with Rev. Christopher Looby officiating. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Society of the Little Flower,1313 N. Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561, littleflower.org.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.
The family wishes to give a special thank you the 2nd and 4th floor staff at Samaritan-Keep.
