Add a Memory
1954
2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce Rob Annelli, age 71, of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on January 31, with family by his side.
Born on May 13, 1954, he was the son of Henry and Mary Annelli. Rob grew up in Middlefield, Connecticut, and after graduating from Vinal Regional Technical School, he dedicated his working life to the construction industry. A highly skilled carpenter and later a construction supervisor, he contributed to hundreds of projects throughout the state. He took pride in pointing out homes and buildings he had worked on and was widely respected for his craftsmanship, dedication, and strong work ethic until his retirement.
Rob loved spending time with his younger brother, George, frequently working on projects together and talking about fishing with his older brother, Henry. He enjoyed conversations about vintage cars and was always ready to share stories from “the good old days.” He found great happiness at home with his wife, spending peaceful hours on the back porch watching the wildlife, working in the yard, and mowing the lawn for hours on his favorite John Deere.
He married his best friend, Dianne (Foster) Annelli, and together they shared 42 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with hands-on projects, travel, time with family and friends, rescuing and loving many dogs and cats, and quiet dinners at favorite restaurants.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne, brother George Annelli (Joy), brother Henry Annelli (Diane), brother-in-law Douglas Foster, sister-in-law Brenda Bodnar (Dave), mother-in-law, Janet Hinman and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Annelli and his sister, Elizabeth Annelli.
Calling hours and a brief service will be held on Friday, February 13 from 4-6pm with a short service beginning at 6 p.m. taking place at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT. Private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homeward Bound CT (homewardboundct.org) in his name.
16 Entries
Raffe DiGiandomenico
March 2, 2026
My condolences to Rob´s family, I have great memories of the parking lot days, riding around in the Green Gremlin with Rob and George. He was a good friend and will be missed but always in my memories of the good old days.
Fran & Dora Donahue
February 19, 2026
George, I´m so sorry to hear about Rob´s passing. It seems like just yesterday we were all out driving around in his green gremlin. He was such a nice guy. He will forever be in your heart.
Doug Bransfield
February 14, 2026
To the Annelli family-sorry to read of the passing of Rob. Was always A pleasure to run into him, now and then, throughout the years-truly A good man-made he rest in peace
Lori Lastrina
February 14, 2026
To George and Family, very sorry to hear of Rob´s passing. I´m sure he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he be at peace.
Catherine/William Moore
February 12, 2026
Dear Diane, and the Annelli Family we send our deepest Sympathy to you. Were were all Teenage friends with so many dreams, never had a worry in the world. Rob was a very pleasant person to be around as we Remember. May you find Peace and comfort with all your beautiful Memories as loss is never easy. God Bless you and your family today and Always.
Lorraine Campagna Flynn
February 11, 2026
Sending my sincere condolences to the Annelli family on Robert´s passing. You will not now me, but I was a very good friend to Betty when we were just teenagers in high school. We lost lost touch many years ago and I was never able to find her, but have often thought of her. Now that I find out that she has passed as well, I felt I needed to send my condolences for them both.
May God Bless your family in your losses.
Lori Vogel-Brown
February 10, 2026
Rob Annelli was truly one of the good guys—always there with a smile on his face and ready to help. Rob will forever be a part of Ridgeland Farm. He was the one who really knew what he was doing when we built my original post-and-beam horse barn. We had many helping hands raising that barn 40 years ago, but it’s critical to have someone who actually knows the craft, and that was Rob.
That spring, the gnats were so thick and annoying that we cut up my old wedding veil and used it for fly masks. I know I have some pretty funny photos of that tucked away somewhere—I’ll need to dig them out. We were all so young.
Years later, Rob also added a large addition to my home, and every time I walk into my great room with its soaring cedar ceilings, I think of him. Rob, you will be missed by all of us. We look forward to seeing you again one day my friend. Until then love you, and miss you.
Sally (Beilman) Healey
February 10, 2026
I was saddened to hear about Rob's passing. I'm very sorry for your loss. I'll always remember him as being kind and gentle. He was one of a kind for sure.
Joe DiMauro
February 10, 2026
George, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss, remember Bob well he will be truly missed
Lauren Beilman Laforge
February 10, 2026
I didn't know Rob real well but what I remember is he was always smiling and so easy going. God bless!
Karen Hurd
February 10, 2026
George and Joy I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Thoughts and prayers to you and your families. May he soar with angels.
Karen Hurd
Tom Czaja
February 10, 2026
First I'm so sorry to read about Rob's passing. I first met Rob hanging around the parking lot on Washington St. and at Sal's Cafe. Always a soft spoken person. What a great guy. My condolences.
Shampang
February 9, 2026
So Sorry To Hear About Rob passing ! He was a great person And Excellent Carpenter, So Happy To Have Him work on My House ! Sending My Condolences , May He Rest In Peace ! MaryAnn Maura Shampang!
Kathy Maura
February 8, 2026
RIP Rob. I remember all the good times we all had at the parking lot and research parkway. And that green Gremlin you drove. Always a good guy and friend. You will be missed!
John Chowaniec
February 7, 2026
Dianne, George and the Annelli Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of Rob. We all grew up together and had a lot of memorable times together. He was a good man and will be missed.
Cathy and Peter Westerberg
February 6, 2026
Our deepest condolences to you Dianne and your families. We hope all the memories fill your hearts as you remember all the good times together with family and friends as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cathy and Peter
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Feb
13
6:00 p.m.
Biega's Funeral Home
3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457