Obituary
Robert Ira Chitel passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the age of 80.
Born on September 5, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts to Benjamin Chitel and Janice Nadelman Chitel, Bob (Bobby or Bobaloo as he’s often endearingly called) attended grade school in Brighton, Massachusetts before graduating from Newton High School in 1960 and Babson College in 1963.
Out of college, Bobby departed Boston (with his beloved doo-wop tunes no doubt blasting on the car radio) for the Big Apple where he entered the salesforce of Shepard Clothing, a men’s apparel wholesaler and American manufacturer. He was truly a star and well-known fixture in the menswear business, beloved by many. He remained there for over 35 years before embarking on entrepreneurial ventures within the same industry. Bobby was deeply admired and respected for his energy, talent, uniqueness, effervescent personality, and interest in others’ lives and well-being.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Bob regularly donated to charities that were important to him, including but certainly not limited to Toys for Tots.
On October 27, 1968, he wed Linda Joan Ormand (Oumano) to whom he remained married until her passing on 12/17/2003. Bobby & Joanie chose the small northern New Jersey town of Old Tappan in which to settle, educate, and raise their two boys. They spent 25 years in “O.T.” where they enjoyed countless memories and community time with a fleet of close friends and neighbors, many of whom Bob has kept in touch with to this day. As a devoted father, he always supported and encouraged his sons’ natural musical, academic, and athletic interests and was widely loved by their friends and classmates.
Bob and Joan share and are survived by their sons, David Chitel (wife Cristina Davila Chitel) and Douglas Chitel (husband Alex Liandro), and their grandsons, Andrew Chitel and Matthew Chitel.
Bob will forever be remembered and treasured by family, friends and colleagues as an impactful force full of vitality, energy, great instincts, an incredible sense of caring, and magic superpowers that allowed him to connect in-depth with his fellow human beings — whether he knew them for 60 years or 60 seconds. Once Bobby was in your life, he was there for life as anyone who knew and loved him will attest.
Memorial contributions in Bobby’s memory and honor can be made to: