After a courageous battle with melanoma, Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Asheville, North Carolina.

Bob was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Buchtel High School class of '69. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Ohio Wesleyan University '73 and later attended graduate school at The University of Wisconsin where he earned his teaching credentials. Bob received a Masters of Education degree from the University of Akron and was a licensed school guidance counselor. He retired in June 2007 after a 30-year career as a caring and dedicated music teacher and guidance counselor for the Akron Public Schools.

Bob was the youngest son of the late Carroll K. and Gladys (Breitenbucher) Gustely of Akron, Ohio and brother to the late Richard D. Gustely. He was the beloved husband of Ann (Chambers) Gustely for more than 27 years. Bob will forever be remembered by his loving sister Carolyn Gustely Durway (Jerry Durway) of Akron, beloved daughter Erin Gustely (Brian Golrick, fiance) of Hamden, Connecticut and beloved son Andrew Gustely of Akron. He also leaves his niece, Emily Durway of Akron, his nephew Stephen Durway and Stephen's daughter Hannah Durway of Akron, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know and love him.

Bob loved music of all types, especially classical. He was an accomplished flutist and performer, most recently as a member of the Mountains of Asheville Flute Ensemble. He also enjoyed singing in Asheville's Jubilee Community Church Choir. In Akron he sang with the Akron Symphony Chorus and was a longtime subscriber to the Tuesday Musical concert series. He found joy in hiking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling, laughing, and being with his family and friends. Bob touched the lives of many people, with his smile and kindness. He maintained his spirit of love and sense of humor to the end.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at The First Congregational Church, 292 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio 44308. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Gustely Family Memorial Scholarship Fund at the First Congregational Church, and to the Tuesday Musical Association, 198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325.