Called Bob by all who knew him, he was born in Allston, Massachusetts on June 14, 1935 to Clement and Josephine (Visco) Volante. He leaves two sisters: Jeanette (Jan) Conley, and Constance (Connie) Finn, with whom he had supportive and loving relationship with. He had a mutual fondness with his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many cousins and dear friends.
His early years were quite humble, one might use the word “poor” to describe the family’s economic circumstances. But through competence, hard work and sheer luck, Bob ended up quite comfortable.
Openly homosexual since his late teens, he told his parents about his orientation when he was 18 years old, a time when it took great courage to admit that. They embraced him lovingly and said he was their son and loved him no matter what. He made no apologies about his sexual orientation.
Alerted by his sixth-grade teacher that their son was intellectually gifted, his parents took his teacher’s recommendation and he was sent to Boston Latin School. He was enrolled in the school’s six-year program, grades 7 to 12. Bob did well at Boston Latin and graduated near the top of his class. He won a full scholarship to Harvard and graduated magna cum laude with a major in History and Literature of the Renaissance and Reformation in line with his pride of Italian heritage.
After graduating from Harvard, he taught English at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Ma. for 2 years.
Returning to Boston, he went to work at John Hancock where he spent his career. He rose to the rank of vice-president. After, receiving a “golden handshake”, he set himself up as a consultant for small businesses.
He had a great love of music and theatre, of which opera was his favorite. He loved trains and travelled the United States via train. He also took many trips to Europe.
In his later years, he became very close to his niece Kathy Conley, his NNN (no nonsense niece) who looked after him.
He is also very proud of his godson, Liam Finn, a student at Roxbury Latin and a young man whose creativity and intelligence, Bob would modestly say, exceeds his own.
At the time of his demise, he was living with Roger Gauthier, a friend of some 40 years. Although they both say they are not an “item” they agree they are like an old married couple and they take care of each other.
Much appreciation of the staff at the Colonnade Residence where he was living.
Burial will be private. There will be a celebration of life later.
In memory, please make donations to the Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 597 Randolph Avenue, Milton, Ma. 02186, who provided great care and support to Bob and his family.
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