Robert Sebastian Menillo, architect, beloved father and grandfather, died peacefully on Thursday March 10, 2022 in the Bronx, New York. He was 98 years young, but never admitted to being older than 49. Robert, also known as Bob, was born on June 8, 1923 in the Arthur Ave area (Little Italy) of the Bronx with his Italian immigrant parents Saverio and Josephina (Barbera) Menillo, his sisters Joan, Anne and Gloria and his brother Frank. Times were hard as the family was growing up during the Great Depression. Bob’s father died young and as the oldest boy in the family he took on the role of man of the house. He had many stories of how poor his family was, as were so many, during these times. He often told how he had to shine shoes as a young boy to try to bring home money to give to his Mama for food. Once he found a quarter on the street while walking to school. He ran home to give it to his mother and as a celebration was allowed to stay home from school that day. He talked about how lucky his was that his high school graduation present was a lemon meringue pie. As the man of the house there are many stories from his sisters about how he felt responsible for them. They say he was always looking out for them.

Robert met Yolanda (Cretaro) Menillo in the Berkshires and they were married soon after in 1957. She was the love of his life and they were married for 57 years until her death in 2014. When Yolanda became ill with Alzheimer’s Disease, he cared for her in their home for over 10 years. When he could no longer care for her, he visited her daily for hours in the nursing home that was 2 blocks from their house. The only times he did not visit was when he was in the hospital himself. In 1961 their daughter Lisa was born, and in 1970 Robert and Yolanda adopted a second daughter Pamela. He was a fiercely protective father who loved his family with such emotion. He looked out for his daughters the way he did his sisters and made sure they stayed on the straight path, but always with love. He believed strongly in a good education and always encouraged his children to do their best in school. Family was the most important thing to him. He continued to care for his mother in her old age, designing and building an apartment for her in his house. He was always checking in on his siblings and completely enjoyed their company all the way up to the weeks before his death. Bob had 5 grandchildren: Emily, Anna, Ryan, Samantha and Robert. When Yolanda became ill, he completely stepped into her role as involved and loving grandparent. He loved them deeply and enjoyed talking to them about their lives, laughing with them and even being the brunt of their jokes. He also taught them to value education and always encouraged them to go further.

Bob worked in his early years as a draftsman in several architect firms but always dreamed of becoming an architect himself. But when his country needed him during World War II he joined the Army in 1943. He served in England and specialized in anti-aircraft machinery. He was honorably discharged in 1945 after an injury. When he returned home, he continued to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. He worked as draftsman in The Eggers Partnership architect firm for many years while attending night time classes at Columbia in New York, using funds from the GI Bill in order to prepare himself to sit for the architect board exam. After many years of study he passed the exam and became a Registered Architect. He was most proud of this accomplishment as he worked so hard to achieve it. He continued his work as an architect and did a variety of different kinds of work including designing buildings and churches, working for a power company, and eventually working for Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn as their chief architect designing everything from doctor’s offices to operating rooms until his retirement. After retirement he continued to draw up blueprints for family projects.

Bob is survived by his daughter Dr Lisa Menillo Weis and son- in- law Dr Otto Weis; His daughter Pamela Sanzaro; 5 grandchildren Emily, Anna and Ryan Weis, Samantha Sanzaro and Robert Dougherty Jr; by his sister Gloria (Menillo) Farrell, by former sons-in-law Robert Dougherty Sr and Jonathan Sanzaro. He is predeceased by his wife Yolanda (Cretaro) Menillo, his sisters Joan (Menillo) Nelson, Anne (Menillo) Fucci and his brother Frank Menillo. He is also survived by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who he adored. Robert was very loved and will be missed, may he Rest In the Peace of Christ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your choice of the following:

Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate

The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library at https://www.nypl.org/locations/heiskell

Wounded Warriors at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/