Robert Louis Siracuse, resident of Bellows Falls VT, died at the age of 79 at the Pine Heights rehabilitation center in Brattleboro, VT, after a courageous years-long battle with cancer.

Bob was born on June 3, 1946, in Buffalo, NY, the son of Samuel and Josephine (Mangano) Siracuse. After a brief stint at a local community college, Bob followed his older brother, Sam west to Los Angeles. He soon found San Francisco much more to his liking, and settled in the city for several years. It was there that he embarked on a decades-long career as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, a profession that he continued when he returned east to Springfield, VT.

Bob was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable follower of jazz and Latin music. Visitors to his Bellows Falls home were often presented with an array of Afro-Cuban percussion instruments, and were encouraged to join him in impromptu jam sessions. Visiting friends also relished Bob’s culinary skills and appreciated his discerning taste in fine wine.

Bob was pre-deceased by his parents and his beloved older brother, Sam. He is survived by his niece, Frances Anne, many friends, and co-workers from his decades of employment at Springfield VT Hospital.

At Bob’s request, there will be no funeral services, although a service honoring his life is likely to be scheduled.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls.