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Robert C. Ianni, Sr.-“A Man Apart, Fearless, Passionate, Protective”

Morrisville, VT-Robert Charles Ianni, Sr., died on March 28, 2018. He was born March 6, 1928 in Rutland, VT, the son of the late Napoleon and Leona Ianni.

Robert graduated from Rutland High School in 1946. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1951. Upon graduation he served two years in the U.S. Army. His duties included combat with the 2^nd Infantry Division in the Korean War. After his two year stint in the Army he returned to the University of Vermont where he received a Master of Education degree in 1954.

Robert served in the Vermont National Guard for 26 years. His first assignment with the Guard was with Co.C, 1^st Bn, 172^nd Infantry stationed in Morrisville. He progressed through the ranks to retire as G2 (Intelligence Officer) Headquarters, Vermont National Guard. He retired with the rank of Colonel (06).

Robert was well known for his excellence in music. He played trumpet with the Vermont State Symphony Orchestra for five years. He played first solo trumpet with the UVM Band. He played trumpet and tenor saxophone in large and small jazz groups throughout Vermont for much of his life.

Robert started his teaching career teaching chemistry, physics and band at Peoples Academy in Morrisville. His love of music won out when he became Choral and Band Director at Peoples Academy, where he remained for thirteen years. He left that position to become Director of Music at Lamoille Union High School in Hyde Park, the first year of its existence. He remained at Lamoille Union High School for twenty-six years. In 1991 the 125 piece Lamoille Union High School Band was one of only five schools in the nation selected to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Robert was especially proud of the fact that he required all of his students be able to play an instrument, including the Drum Major and majorettes. During this period twenty-five years of his summers were spent teaching music with the University of Vermont Summer Music Session. His duties included Stage Band Director, instrumental teacher and Manager of the Summer Music Session.

After retiring from Lamoille Union High School, Robert was employed part time by Mount Mansfield Union High School in Jericho. He established and taught the Stage (jazz) Band for another five years at this school. He volunteered his time at the Bishop Marshall School in Morrisville. He taught the students instrumental music and established the Bishop Marshall School Band. He was employed at Doty Memorial School in Worcester and at the Walden School as instrumental teacher, until finally retiring from all three schools in 2011. Music was his hobby as well as his profession which he loved. He was always ready and willing to fill in whenever a school needed a temporary music teacher.

In 2004 Robert was honored for 50 years of service as a Music Educator. A band comprised of his past and current students performed a concert in his honor. In attendance were many of his former and current students, parents, educators, family and friends.

In 2005 he was inducted into the Vermont Principal’s Association Hall of Fame. This honor was in recognition of his long-term contributions, accomplishments, high standards, ethical conduct and moral character.

Robert also worked for many years as the licensed Real Estate Broker in charge of Vermont Land Realty, a family owned business. Many of the local Real Estate Brokers began their career at Vermont Land Realty.

Robert was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, #5041, Morrisville, where he served as Grand Knight for five terms.

Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeannette (Jean), a son, Robert Ianni, Jr., RPh and wife, Diane; daughter-in-law, Barbara Kaiser-Ianni; seven grandchildren: Rachel, Regina, Sean, Athena, Robert III, Noah and Curtis; a brother, Richard and wife, Fran and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two of his sons, Edward Ianni, RPh and Kevin Ianni, MD.

Robert will be remembered by everyone who knew him as a happy, generous, loving person who gave freely of himself. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love and support for his family and friends never wavered. He leaves us all better people for having been a part of our lives. He will be sadly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Brooklyn St., Morrisville. Interment in Pleasant View Cemetery in Morrisville with full military honors will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Faith Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.