Robert Anthony Gerregano

Robert Anthony Gerregano was born on November 28, 1937, in Nashville, TN and passed away surrounded by family at his home in Nashville on Sunday, April 26, 2026,

at the age of 88.

Bob grew up on his family’s Idlewild Poultry Farm in the Inglewood/East Nashville area. His grandfather and father, with the help of only one hired hand, built their house on Porter Road. Bob attended Duncan College Preparatory for Boys, a one building school located where Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gym was built in 1951. After graduating from Battle Ground Academy in 1954 and briefly attending Vanderbilt, Bob became a dispatcher for Ryder Truck Lines. His first week’s paycheck was $35. Bob served 6 years in the Tennessee National Guard. Bob loved cars all his life and as a young man, he purchased his favorite car that he ever owned, an Oldsmobile Starfire.

Bob married Constance Sue “Connie” Cassetty on November 24, 1967, at the Cassetty family home in the Stone community of Jackson County. After moving to Gainesboro and opening G & C Hardware in 1977, he often joked that he was a “move-in.” Bob soon made himself at home, however: helping to start the Poke Sallet Festival, learning to play “pitch” (a card game native to the Upper Cumberland area), and serving as resident Vanderbilt Commodore fan. He received—and gave—much grief from/to his prange-blooded friends and family over the years. In his 36 years in Gainesboro (21 as a small business owner), he was a kind and generous community member. He often went into the store after hours to help someone with a burst water pipe or some other calamity; made deliveries (once getting bitten in his rear by a customer’s dog); and tried to always meet the needs of the many hardware store regulars, neighbors, and interesting characters he knew. In 2013 Bob and Connie moved back to Nashville to support their children and spend as much time as possible with their grandchildren. Bob enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events and Vanderbilt basketball games, revisiting the places of his youth, woodworking on his turning lathe, and napping with pups Bear and Zuzu. Side note: He complained loudly each time a four-legged creature was added to the family but then loved and spoiled them more than anyone. 

Bob was the son of Herman Seymore Gerregano and Augusta Belle “Dolly” Saunders Gerregano. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Ann Gerregano Everett; brother, Herman Seymore Gerregano, Jr.; and stepmother, Ruth Gerregano. He is survived by Connie his wife of 58 years; daughter Dolly Gerregano; son David Gerregano (Sohnia Hong); grandchildren Olivia Gerregano and Daniel Gerregano (all of Nashville, TN); and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and in-laws.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a memorial service following at 12 p.m. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Reverend Courtney Stevens officiating. Private burial in Nashville will be in June. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Nashville Tree Foundation for planting an oak tree in Bob’s memory or to the Alzheimer’s Association by contacting the funeral home or at Nashville Tree Foundation.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931-268- 1550).