Gloria Robin, 89, of Montclair, N.J., passed away on Dec. 28, 2019.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Ala., to the late Sam and Susie Carruba. Gloria was predeceased by her siblings, Nicolina Carruba, Irene Schillaci, Sue Nowosackie and Paul Carruba. She lived much of her life in Manhattan before settling in Montclair in 1978. She began her career as an actress at the University of Alabama and subsequently performed in New York City where she studied with the legendary Uta Hagen. Gloria earned a B.S. degree in Dramatic Arts. Among her roles were Katherine in “Taming of the Shrew,” Gertrude in “Hamlet,” Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth,” the lead in “A Slight Case of Murder,” and Lady Candour in “The School for Scandal.” Gloria retained a passion for theater and, later, for opera throughout her life.
Gloria became a dedicated elementary school teacher. She received a M.S. degree from the City University of New York, with a specialization in Remedial Reading. Gloria taught in the New York City Public Schools and in the Montclair Public Schools, prior to retiring.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Edward Robin; eldest daughter, Cynthia Rivera, and her husband, René Ferdinand Rivera; her youngest daughter, Diana “Hazel” Robin, and her partner, Dirk Trachy; and granddaughter Lyra Robin Rivera. She is also survived by her nieces, Patricia Nowosackie, Susan Schillaci, and Rosemary Schillaci, and nephew Ben Schillaci.
A memorial service will be held at the Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library, 185 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043 on Jan. 26, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.