Robert Iemma

Robert “Bob” Iemma, 65, died in Taos, New Mexico on August 17, 2017 after fighting cancer for almost a year. He is at last at rest without pain and with Christ in a better place. Bob was a loving, independent-minded, hard-working man. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 28, 1952, the son of Thomas and Marie Iemma and brother of Paul Iemma of Pascoag Rhode Island and Steven Iemma of Naples Florida. Bob leaves a daughter, Annalee Iemma and two grand children in Rhode Island and daughter Christine and grandson in California. Bob left Rhode Island in the late 1970’s never to return. During his travels, he hitchhiked across the continental U.S. to Alaska where he found work as a timber jack. He worked for several years in forestry in Alaska and the Northwest. He became an encyclopedia on trees and loved being among them and in the mountains. He moved to Taos in the mid-1980’s. He was clever at repairing things and working with his hands. At one time he was responsible for all maintenance work at the Quail Ridge Resort near Taos. He has fixed a million things at the St. James Episcopal Church in Taos. He is remembered with love as a member of St. James, a faithful volunteer at the Food Pantry, and as someone always willing to help those in need. His strength and perseverance, even in his last days, were inspirational.

For many years Bob enjoyed playing the guitar and singing folk songs at local restaurants and bars. His musical talent was displayed in the 70’s when recording many of his original songs while working with the New England band named “Wheatear”

The community was welcome to join a memorial service for Bob to be held at the St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago, Taos, New Mexico on September 6th. His cremated remains will repose in the Columbarium at St. James.

Donations in his memory are being accepted by the St. James Food Pantry, St. James Episcopal Church,208 Camino de Santiago, Taos, NM 87571.