Gerald John Robustelli

Gerald (Gerry) John Robustelli, 66 of Nederland, left his earthly home Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital in Beaumont. He was born August 31, 1954 in the Bronx, New York to the late Louise Rita Scuoppo Robustelli and the late Frank Arthur Robustelli.

Gerry started work at Texaco Marine’s mailroom the moment he was old enough to legally hold a job. He worked his way up the career ladder as a Chartering Manager where he assisted in regional and international barge chartering. When Texaco Marine dissolved, he transferred to Keystone Shipping. His charting career eventually came to an end, and he found himself as Lead Custodian at Hillcrest Elementary starting in 1999 and retiring in 2018.

Gerry was a firecracker, always willing to step in where others failed, to lend a helping hand or a gentle, but firm, word of advice or guidance to anyone he saw in need. He could see a problem from multiple perspectives simultaneously and come up with a near-perfect solution. Gerry could build anything, from a mock Rubik’s cube, to a swing set, and scroll out a dove in a wooden block. He was the best cook and could quite literally throw together anything, with some help from a couple YouTube videos if he wasn’t absolutely certain of steps.

Gerry was a fierce protector. He loved his wife and kids to the ends of the earth and beyond, and they knew it. He loved his kids’ friends like they were his own and ensured they always had a safe place to go, complete with hilarious stories of his childhood and a homecooked meal. He took on the role of “fill-in dad” for many children that weren’t his own. Their worlds will never be the same without hearing those stories, getting those high-fives and hugs, and knowing that Mr. Gerry was always just around the corner if they needed anything.

Gerry is survived by his endearing wife of 32 years, Toshia Robustelli; his daughter, Chelsea Robustelli of Nederland, Texas; and his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ashley Robustelli, of Belton, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in law, Carolyn and Donald Boden, respectively.

A gathering of Mr. Robustelli’s family and friends will be held from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Broussard’s in Nederland, located at 505 North 12th Street. His funeral service will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Broussard’s in Nederland, with Pastor Donny Robbins presiding. A private family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium in Beaumont.

A Celebration of Life will also be held March 3, 2021 at 2:30pm at Life Church, located at 4600 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard in Port Arthur.

In honor of Mr. Robustelli’s legacy, memorial contributions may be made to Life Church’s Mission fund at https://www.lifemc.church/give or can be mailed in or given at the Celebration of Life. Please notate that the contribution is for Missions. Contact Lori Belair with Life Church at (409) 728-4666 if you have any questions regarding contributions

Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.