Dr. Robert “Bob” Gennaro, a Professor Emeritus who served decades as a University of Central Florida biomedical sciences faculty member and leader, has passed away. He was 82 years old.
A native of Raton, NM, Dr. Gennaro spent his entire teaching career at UCF, joining the university in 1970 when it was called Florida Technological University. His impact on undergraduate scientists was immense, as he helped orchestrate the creation of the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, including serving as an instructor for such diverse courses as Biology, Immunology, Serology, Biology of Environmental Pollution Control, and General, Diagnostic and Pathogenic Microbiology.
Having served the university for 46 years, Dr. Gennaro’s impact was felt by all at UCF. He was a founding leader for the creation of what would eventually become the Biomedical Sciences curriculum and School.
Dr. Gennaro was also a passionate researcher with his work focused on allergens and environmental contaminants. Recognized for his expertise, he served as a consultant on pathogens in wastewater, mildew and air quality, and food poisoning.
He served in multiple leadership roles at UCF, including Department Chair and Associate Dean for the College of Health and Public Affairs before UCF’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences was established. He also served as Assistant Director in the Burnett School, where he helped lead the expansion of the research enterprise and support of research infrastructure needs. He played key roles in the construction of Health Sciences II, the Biology annex, the transgenic greenhouse, and the Burnett Building in Lake Nona.
Dr. Gennaro earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology from New Mexico State University and his Ph.D. in microbiology from Texas A&M University.
Known for his incredible sense of humor and quips, Dr. Gennaro was an avid gardener and outdoorsman. He was known for his generosity and loved bringing in extra harvest from his massive home garden to share with others.
Dr. Gennaro is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maria Gennaro (née Neuhaus), his son, Joe and wife Mireille, their two children Julian and Amelie, his daughters, Maria (“Marisa”) Isabel Gennaro (deceased), Anna-Maria Gennaro and husband Robert Hammers, and his sister, D’Ann Gennaro. His funeral service will be on Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship to the UCF Office of Advancement, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 250, Orlando, FL 32826; Please make gifts payable to the UCF Foundation, Inc. and write The Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship on the memo line. You may also make your gift online at: https://foundation.ucf.edu/givenow and select College of Medicine Area: Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship, a scholarship created in memory of Marisa Gennaro, daughter of Bob and Maria Gennaro. to the UCF Office of Advancement, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 250, Orlando, FL 32826; Please make gifts payable to the UCF Foundation, Inc. and write The Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship on the memo line. You may also make your gift online at: https://foundation.ucf.edu/givenow and select College of Medicine Area: Marisa Gennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
