Obituary of Robert J. Evanko, Jr.

WALLINGFORD, CONN On October 6, 2024, Robert James Evanko Jr. passed into his enteral rest at New Britain General Hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones. He passed after a valiant battle with an infection which proved too much for his body. Bob or “Bobby” as his mom and sister loved to call him; fought until the end trying his best to think of a solution to his own ailment. That was the spirit of Bob, a never say die fighter in life. In his life Bob was skilled at so many things. He could speak French and English but could read any language placed in front of him. He had an uncanny ability to learn patterns and was a wonderful human calculator. He was able to coach law students on the patterns of their professors to help them graduate. He also could ace any standardized test put in front of him. He really was a smart man. He was born in Stamford CT and for a year lived with his mother in the Bronx. He often stated that he could remember being 1 ½ and having the feeling of the slide on his bottom as he went down it. That was Bob. He was unique. Bob’s family life was mainly in Fairfield, where he lived with his mother and father and then his stepfather and sister until high school. Bob was a graduate of Simsbury High school where he was very proud of his time on the rowing crew. He went on to attend New York University and graduate with a double major in Economics and French Language. Bob's college career included being heralded in a career journal for proving a then thought unprofitable theory in economics. But his college life did not just include studies. Bob was an enthusiastic mascot for NYU, a proud member of the cheer team, and even walked the Macy’s parade route as Muffy Vanderbear. After college he went on to work on Wall Street in mortgage-backed securities industries where he met and married Tamarah Rashid (Evanko). Although their marriage lasted only 18 years their friendship and love for one another lasted until the end. Together they created Bob’s greatest pride, their daughter Victoria Evanko. Bob is survived by his daughter Victoria Evanko (Tamarah Evanko Gay -her mom), his mother Bonnie Barnette (Doug B), his sister Ashley Lorello (Kevin-husband and Ethan-son), Aunt Sonny St. Francis and various cousins, friends, and loved ones. He is predeceased by his grandparents the Erhlingers , his aunt and uncle on his mother’s side, and his two uncles on his father’s side. Interment will be held privately in Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport.