Robert Karl Gustely April 28,1951 – October 24,2009 Resident of Asheville, NC. After a courageous battle with melanoma, Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in Asheville. Bob was born and raised in Akron, OH and graduated from Buchtel High School ‘69. Bob’s higher education took place at Ohio Wesleyan ‘73 and University of Wisconsin where he earned his teaching credentials. Bob received a Masters of Education from the University of Akron and was a licensed School Counselor. Bob retired from a 30 year career as a caring and dedicated music teacher and guidance counselor for the Akron Public Schools.
Bob was the youngest son of the late Carroll and Gladys Gustely of Akron, Ohio and brother to the late Richard Gustely. He was the beloved husband of Annie Gustely for over 27 years. Bob will forever be remembered by his loving sister Carolyn Gustely Durway (Jerry Durway) of Akron, beloved daughter Erin Gustely (Brian Golrick, fiancé) of Hamden, Connecticut and beloved son Andrew Gustely of Akron. Also from Akron, are nephew, Stephen Durway and niece Emily Durway, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know and love him.
Bob loved music of all types, especially classical. He was an accomplished flutist and performer, most recently as a member of the Mountains of Asheville Flute Ensemble. He also enjoyed singing in Asheville’s Jubilee Community Church Choir. In Akron he sang with the Akron Symphony Chorus and enjoyed attending Tuesday Musical Concerts. He found joy in hiking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling, laughing, and being with his family and friends. Bob touched the lives of many people, with his smile and kindness. He maintained his spirit of love and sense of humor to the end.
Bob was the youngest son of the late Carroll and Gladys Gustely of Akron, Ohio and brother to the late Richard Gustely. He was the beloved husband of Annie Gustely for over 27 years. Bob will forever be remembered by his loving sister Carolyn Gustely Durway (Jerry Durway) of Akron, beloved daughter Erin Gustely (Brian Golrick, fiancé) of Hamden, Connecticut and beloved son Andrew Gustely of Akron. Also from Akron, are nephew, Stephen Durway and niece Emily Durway, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know and love him.
Bob loved music of all types, especially classical. He was an accomplished flutist and performer, most recently as a member of the Mountains of Asheville Flute Ensemble. He also enjoyed singing in Asheville’s Jubilee Community Church Choir. In Akron he sang with the Akron Symphony Chorus and enjoyed attending Tuesday Musical Concerts. He found joy in hiking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling, laughing, and being with his family and friends. Bob touched the lives of many people, with his smile and kindness. He maintained his spirit of love and sense of humor to the end.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, November 2nd, 2009, at 4:30 pm at Jubilee Community Church, 46 Wall St. Asheville, NC 28801
As well as November 7th at 11:00 at The First Congregational Church of Akron.
That is a lovely obituary, Annie. You captured the Spirit of Bob and his impact in our lives. xxoo
Oh, Annie, that is a beautiful tribute to Bob! Once again, your words painted a right, true and moving picture.
Love Mary
You and your family are in my prayers. I know that moving through this part of the journey is difficult; take care of yourself.
M.J. Jacobsen
Annie and family,
So sad to hear your news. I pray for the Lord’s continued peace and comfort for you. I will always remember Bob’s beautuful, generous smile.
Denise
Beautifully written… as always.
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow! For me, this was the hardest part. Prayers and prayers for you all!
The service today was really beautiful. It really captured what I know of Bob and a lot that I didn’t. He really was an amazing person and I’m glad to have met him, as well as those close to him.