Obituary of Robert Bobby Gulla

   Robert “Bobby” Gulla, Sr., 80, of Rome, passed away peacefully and comfortably on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Oneida Health with his loving family at his side. He was born on October 8, 1943, in Rome; a son of the late Gennaro “Jerry” and Grace Vescio Gulla. He was raised and educated in Rome and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1961. On May 17, 1969, in St. John The Baptist Church, Bobby was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Peggy Rebel.

   He had several career fields over the years. He owned and operated Gulla’s Dairy and Spoke and Saddle Bike shop. Bobby then worked with his brother at Mickey’s Autoland which began a long career in the car business that ended with Copper City Budget Cars. He was especially proud of his brief stint as a county legislator.  During retirement he decided to go into business with his son at Gulla Funeral & Cremation Services.

   The thing that made Bobby the happiest was spending time with his family and friends.  He enjoyed spending time gardening, refurbishing antiques, music, grilling, vacationing with his family and telling stories with his friends and family.  He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, going out to lunch at the Franklin, and family gatherings.  He valued his East Rome heritage and took great pride in being an Italian.  Bobby had a great sense of humor and enjoyed having fun with his witty, sarcastic jokes and breaking everyone’s “chops”.  He has struggled with health issues the past few years and still found much joy talking to his grandchildren on the phone or spending time with them in person.

   He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Peggy; three daughters, Jacquelyn Gulla, Robyn Gulla and Tom Holmes, Karyn and Mike Stannard; a son, Bobby and Lindsay Gulla; he treasured the memory of his beloved son, Michael. Bobby also leaves his two devoted sisters, Rose DeAngelo and Johanna Fiorenza; his 12 cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Caden, Caleb, Masyn, Mylo, Chaska, Hazyn, Gracianna, Jack, Joey, Maley, and David; a great grandson, Jameson. He leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends that he deeply cared for and they for him. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and son; a brother, Mickey; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anna and Carl Rebel; and several in-laws, cousins, and friends.

   Mr. Gulla’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by Father Paul Angelicchio. Interment will be for immediate family in St. John’s Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his son.

   Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome.

   The family would like to extend a very special thank you and appreciation to Dr. Vanderhoof and the nursing staff at Oneida Health. Words cannot express our gratitude for the exceptional care he received in his final days on the fourth floor. Thank you to his close friends who were always there for him.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bobby, may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105-9959 or Rome Rescue Mission 413 E Dominick St, Rome, NY 13440