I don't think I have one memory of Uncle Bob that doesn't include him making me laugh or smile.  Growing up I remember going to his house and he would give my brothers and I tubes of tennis balls.  To this day I can't look at a tennis ball without thinking of Uncle Bob. During my time at St. John's Uncle Bob and Aunt Wuzzy would come pick me up super early on a Sunday and I would spend the day at their house eating and watching either football or baseball, depending on the season,  I always had a great time and am so thankful I got to spend that time with him.  My grandparents passed years ago, so to have him at my wedding three years ago, was like having him represent those who couldn't be with us, he was the patriarch of our family. Though we may have not lived very close to each other, I cherish all the memories that we shared together.

Bob was a wonderful neighbor, always a kind and caring pal.  We will always remember his walks back from the park with newly-found tennis balls.  He was always lending a helping hand with tools and gadgets from his garage.  Living to 92 years old is amazing and he was definitely that.  We will miss him dearly.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, with much love and sympathy.

I have very fond memories of my Uncle Bob.  I especially remember the 4 years I spent in Flushing while I was in college.  I always did my laundry next door and I remember delicious leg of lamb dinners made by my aunt.  I would stay up past 11:30 every night and accompany my aunt to pick him up at the transit authority.  He always showed me how much money he found looking under the seats or on the floor of the train.  I remember he had a great sense of humor and how he always took his chin on my children's head and sang a familiar song we all knew.  It was always fun to watch him and my aunt dance at all the parties.  He always complained that I lived too far away but my greatest joy was that he attended Aimee's wedding on July 16, 2010.  I enjoy every phone conversation with him which was always short but sweet.  I love you and I will always miss you.

I have happy memories of Peepa...  he was truly one of a kind and I'm so glad I got to spend some precious moments with him...my heart goes out to his family... Rest in Peace, Peepa.. love, your friend Andrea

It's hard to sum up all the facets of Peepa's life. There are things that only God knows about him and then there is everything that he was to us. 
From his grunts and moans, to his eyebrows that had so much character when he spoke, to his beautiful blue eyes and contagious laugh. 
He showed me how to find pennies on the street and tennis balls in the bushes. His common everyday phrases included: 
Tah tah! 
Hi-ya pal
You need Motts-Sattd 
Thank you anyhow 
Buy, Buy, Buy
They poots
Tough when you get old kid
Thick in the head
Get the Hell out of here
Hey Bab-y!  

… Amongst many other bad words and opinions that I cannot repeat here. 

He would sing songs and tell dirty jokes like no other. His Peepa-isms about life, sports and people can never be replaced. I know that whenever I find a penny in the street, I know he sent them from heaven for me. 

Bye, bye, MY birdie! You got your wings!
Love always your little Foo-Foo

In celebration of Bob's life, we're going to take you on a journey back to the beginning. On Feb 14, 1921, John and Antoinette Jannaccio gave birth to their 3rd child. They named him Robert Anthony. The family lived at 132-44 Maple Ave. When he was of school age, he attended St. Michael's school. He graduated at the age of 15 in 1936. From there he joined the ranks of the working force called Kolsman's, making tools. 
In 1939 he worked at the NY World's Fair making salt-water taffy. After that exciting job he moved on to Woolworth where he met Eileen Methven shopping for M&M's.
They hit is off immediately and started dating. In due course they were married on August 15th 1948 and lived next door at 132-50 Maple Ave.
In 1949 he went to work for Sperry-Rand Co. where he worked for 21 years. In 1951 they had their first child named Susan. Bobby came along in 1954. Linda followed in 1957. And finally Bruce in 1964.
Time goes by quickly when raising children. Bob and Eileen were very active at St. Michael's. Bob was the most popular number caller on Bingo night. He was also an usher at the church as well as a member of the Order of Hybernins. 
There were also many years spent at Crest Haven Country Club. Bob was also and avid bowler and spent much time in the garden where he became an expert in growing tomatoes, cucumbers & eggplant.
Another of Bob's passions was to yell at the TV set as the Mets or Yanks were winning, claiming that it was all fixed. 
In 1970 Bob changed careers as he joined the NYV Transit Authority; were aside from finding money and watched behind the seats his toughest task was deciding where to have coffee. He logged in much overtime as a road-car inspector. Which was probably the reason the fairs went up. The overtime came in handy in 1979 because he had a wedding to pay for as his daughter got married. 
Time passed on. Then in 1983, he retired from the transit authority and bought his first home with the money collected from cans and bottles. That same year Lauren was born…his first and only grandchild. 
In 1993 he had been married 45 years. Problems came and went but in 1996 he met his biggest challenge with heart surgery at the age of 75. As expected Bob came through with a clean bill of health. In 1998 Bob and Eileen had been married 50 years and this occasion was celebrated with a gala party at the hall of the Immaculate Conception. 
The ensuing years saw Bob's health go through peeks and valleys, but he pulled through every time. 
Then came the millennium. Bob was 79 and still hanging tough. Unfortunately, the next few years weren't any easier. He cared for his wife who was developing dementia. As the years progressed Bob needed some help in caring of himself. The family took turns in caregiving. 
The last two years he remained active, going on a cruise to Bermuda and spending time in Fort Lauderdale this past winter. He also went to see Tony Bennett while there.
After returning from the Sunshine he attended Lauren's 30th birthday party. Shortly there after luck turned against him as he fell from a chair in the kitchen, breaking his leg.  His favorite saying for the last few years was, “it won't be long now.” He had been saying it for so long that everyone just laughed it off; but this time he was right. After making it successfully through leg surgery his leg took a turn for the worse. The rehab proved too much of a strain in his weaken condition. He told his daughter on Monday night “Tomorrow's going to be a big day.” He passed away peacefully the following morning on April 23rd 2013. Bob lead as full of a life as any man possibly could, with a sense a humor and style that was truly unique. 
He leaves the world a better place for passing though it, enriching the lives of everyone whole knew him. So as Bob would say if he were here “Thanks anyhow!”

My condolences to the Jannaccio family. We're fortunate to have many fond memories of Bob hanging in Fort Lauderdale. Just seeing the joy on his face while we all laughed the time away made him welcome company. May you rest in peace.

 I don't know how I can possibly express the deep sorrow that I feel for you and your wonderful family on the loss of your father and grandfather.  I wish to express my sincere sympathy.  I was so glad to share some time with him two weeks ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  Love, Ann Colonna

OBITUARY

Robert Jannaccio

February 14, 1921 – April 23, 2013

Quinn - Fogarty Funeral Home

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