Robert Francis Ciarelli

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the very sudden and unexpected loss of Robert F. Ciarelli. He passed away on April 23, 2023, at age 58. The world lost a precious stone. A stone that can never be replaced.

Robert Francis Ciarelli was born June 11, 1964, in Suffern, NY, to Robert and Ann Ciarelli. He spent the early years of his life in Pearl River, New York, attending school and helping to care for his siblings, Palma and George.

Rob graduated from Washingtonville High School in 1982. In high school, Rob was known around school as “Bullet” for his short stature and incredibly skilled athletic abilities. Rob competed in varsity football (#22), baseball, and track. He played the position of Running Back on his undefeated 11-0 New York County Championship Team, the “Wizards”.

After leaving home at 17, Rob attended SUNY Oswego, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He was selected to study overseas at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority in London, which began to fulfill his dream of traveling.

Rob enjoyed a career of 28 years in the Insurance industry and was awarded many professional awards for his achievements.

In 1988, Rob made the move to Seattle, WA, where he met his wife, Susan (Doyle) Ciarelli, who he referred to endearingly as “Sooz”. They married on September 14, 1991. Rob and Susan welcomed their first daughter, Kacie C. Ciarelli, in March 1999 and their second daughter, Gillian G. Ciarelli, in January 2003. The family lived in Washington, Illinois, and Arizona before finally settling in Port Orchard, WA. After many years, Rob decided to purchase a piece of property on the water in Port Orchard, where he built his second and final dream home.

Rob enjoyed people, the art of shaving, true-crime documentaries, new experiences, diligently researching anything and everything, watching the ferries pass in front of his house, the Dallas Cowboys, music, hunting, historical sites, nicknames, shopping, the great outdoors, eating ice cream, cigars, and his little dog, Ricky Bobby. He even liked his daughter’s cat, Francis, and referred to him endearingly as “The Grey Demon”.  Rob loved cooking, especially sharing his cooking with family and friends.

Rob loved his friends and family. In his lifetime, he was blessed to travel far and wide and he made friends wherever he went. Rob cherished the time spent with friends, sharing stories and reminiscing. Above all else, Rob loved his family and made “his girls” his top priority.

Rob was able to visit both of his daughters in the weeks before his passing. He flew to Boise, ID to spend the day with his daughter, Gillian, where they shared a fantastic burger. Rob spent his last week visiting his daughter, Kacie, in Nashville, TN. They spent the week closing on a new condo, visiting with old friends, and eating great food. Rob looked forward to “snow-birding” in Nashville and enjoying the two-for-one draft beer specials at the local bars.

Rob was a genuine person who was larger than life. He saw the good in everyone he met and was welcoming to all. Rob had never met a stranger. He had an incredible sense of humor. He will be remembered as a fantastic storyteller and listener, and for his expertise in having a good time. Rob was fascinated by life and found joy in everything around him. He was extremely smart, driven, and full of passion. He was deeply loved by all who met him. He was our rock and guided us through life. Anyone that had the pleasure to touch his life knew what an incredible, genuine person he was and how the world was a better place with him here on Earth. He truly was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

Rob is survived by his wife, Susan Ciarelli, his children: Kacie and Gillian Ciarelli; father: Robert (Bob) Ciarelli; siblings: Palma Florio and her husband Richard, and George Ciarelli and his wife Wendy, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends near and far. He is predeceased by his beloved mother, Ann Ciarelli and his uncle, Charles Buonanno.  

A memorial service will be held at Haven of Rest on May 8, 2023, at 2pm. There will also be a service held in New York on May 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The service will take place at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 71 Murray Avenue, Goshen, NY 10924. There will be a reception following the service from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, 240 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924. Afterwards, everyone is invited to gather at the Florio Home to continue Rob's Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to The Kyle Robinson Memorial Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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