Robert Michael Anzalone

May 26, 1953 - July 2, 2024

Robert Michael Anzalone, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on July 2, 2024, at the age of 71.

Born in Parma, Ohio, on May 26, 1953, Robert was the cherished and devoted son of Joanne Lukens Anzalone and Fortunato Ted Anzalone and brother of Mary Carol Anzalone Meyer (all deceased). Robert was the loving husband and soulmate of Barbara Horrigan Anzalone. They shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Robert was the greatest father and confidant to his daughter, Marla Louise Anzalone. He was an adored brother-in-law and the beloved uncle to ten nieces and nephews and their families-all of whom he was immensely proud.

Robert learned how to play the trumpet in the fourth grade at John Muir Elementary School and launched a life of loving and pursing music. While pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at The Ohio State University (1975), Robert marched in The Ohio State Marching Band and played in two Rose Bowl Parades. With The Ohio State Symphony Orchestra, he performed at Carnegie Hall, a truly thrilling moment of his performance career.

Upon graduating from The Ohio State University, Robert began work in the Parma City Schools as a music educator where he spent 30 years bringing the joy of music to his students. He followed this with five years at the Parma City Constellation Schools where he helped build and grow their music program. Robert completed his Master of Education in High School Administration degree at Kent State University (1982). While Robert found the entirety of his career as a music educator rich and fulfilling, his years directing the Valley Forge High School Marching Band from 1978 to 1999, were, without question, the most joyful and thrilling years of his career. He is remembered by his students as a great teacher, director, and mentor as much as he is remembered for yelling "Ankle knee! Ankle knee!" to his high-stepping students up and down the marching band field.

Robert enjoyed nearly 20 years of retirement after an impactful career in education. He enjoyed time for friends and family and his beloved dog, Chloe. He watched his daughter play the trumpet in her high school marching band and enjoyed cheering for and supporting her on her travels through life. Robert and his wife enjoyed cruising and travel in his retirement and cherished their life of joy and love.

Robert's compassion, devotion and loyalty to family and friends, love of teaching, and joy for music are the qualities that made him the wonderful and gentle man he was, and it is these qualities that will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

A private celebration of life will be held for Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the below organizations that were of great meaning to Robert:

• City Mission of Cleveland
• Cleveland Animal Protection League
• Ohio Foundation for Music Education

Robert was a member of the marching band in 1973 and 1974. He played Flugelhorn in C-Row.