Robert Gongleski

Robert Edmund "Bob" Gongleski, 74, passed away on November 29, 2025, in Vestal, NY after a battle with cancer. Born on August 17, 1951, in Wilkes Barre, PA, Bob lived a life marked by dedication to his work, deep-rooted passions, and enduring connections with family and community.

Bob was a former resident of Swoyersville, PA.  He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School (where he lettered in basketball, cross country, and track and field) in the class of 1969. He went on to attend Gettysburg College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Processing from King's College. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for a long and successful career in the technology sector.

He began his professional journey at IBM, where he worked for an impressive 31 years. Following his time at IBM, Bob continued to share his expertise at Cadence Design Systems and later at Envisage Information Systems, spending three and a half years at each company. Throughout his career, Bob was known for his commitment to excellence and his steady presence in an ever-evolving industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob had a rich personal life filled with interests that reflected his passions. A devoted fan of the Boston Celtics, he enjoyed playing basketball and hitting the golf course whenever he could. He had a love for model railroading and railroad history as well as a deep appreciation for the coal mining heritage of Northeast Pennsylvania – interests that connected him to his roots.  He was an active member of the Vestal Historical Society, Susquehanna Valley Railway Historical Society, Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Society, and the Anthracite Railroads Historical Society.  Bob was also an avid coin collector and a frequent blood donor who took great pride in earning his Six Gallon Pin.

Family remained central throughout Bob’s life. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy (Yucknis) Gongleski of Vestal, NY and daughter Christine (Gongleski) Finn and her husband Craig Finn of Framingham, MA; as well as by his cherished grandchildren Madelyn Finn and Andrew Finn. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Marjorie (Hanley) Gongleski of Florida; nieces Lisa (Gongleski) Turner of Fairport, NY; and Amanda Gongleski of Davenport, FL.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Edmund Gongleski and Dorothy (Selingo) Gongleski; and by his brothers Leonard John Gongleski, John Luke Gongleski, and Edmund Paul Gongleski.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a  Memorial visitaion celebrating Bob’s life will be held on March 7, 2026 from 11am until 1pm  at Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, PA.  

The Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S. J. will preside at a memorial service at 1pm

Interment will be in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.

May Bob’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who shared in the many chapters of his life.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to  Vestal Historical Society at  

 vestalhistoricalsocietyinc.org or

National Railway Historical Society,  nrhs.com/giving

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