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The Delnero Family Furniture Company
wishes to extend their gratitude to those who
have expressed sympathy on behalf of the loss
of their loving father, Robert J. Delnero. He
died of angiosarcoma, a rare and hard to detect
form of cancer. Medically, his life was not
easy and yet he seldom complained. It has been
a comfort to hear of all the different ways he
touched so many lives.
As many of you know, Robert Delnero,
with the help of his wife, Joanne, and her
father, Floyd Gerrish started what was called
Agawam Pine Furniture in 1963. What began as an
endeavor to furnish their own home with quality
furniture expanded as friends and neighbors
“placed their orders.” Bob showed a
very high quality work ethic working on the
principle that “the same care should be
taken to make a customer’s piece of
furniture as if you were making it for
yourself.” We just love hearing about
customers who still have some of that early
furniture. In 1976 what was going to become the
Route 57 extension took the Agawam Furniture
property and their home, forcing a move to
Southampton.
Early American pine furniture
pieces in the Agawam location.
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Bob Delnero and Floyd "Gramps"
Gerrish at work in Agawam.
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It was at this point that Dad changed
the name to Delnero Pine Furniture. The new
home with 21 rooms also became a transition
place to incorporate hardwood and Shaker
styling. When Dad lost a leg due to a popliteal
aneurism in 1983, Michael and John began the
process of taking over the business. Dad
couldn’t stay away from the business
entirely, as he was a great advisor.
The 21 room Swasey House. The home of
Delnero Furniture in Southampton Mass.
In 1989, with the birth of his first
grandchild, he became known as Poppy. Poppy
became a devoted grandfather, showering all of
his grandchildren with his love and attention.
Delnero Furniture moved up the hill at the foot
of Poppy and Nonny’s new retirement home.
When he wasn’t with the grandkids he was
spending time fishing or playing music. Dad
enjoyed watching the business succeed and the
families blossom. Always looking to the future,
he was the driving force behind the furniture
website and internet.
Poppy got a lot out of life, and
contributed so much in return. We will always
be grateful for the business he established and
the life he created for us. In the Spring of
2000, we anticipate new growth as The Showroom
is scheduled to expand to include more styles
of furniture.
Bob letting John take a turn at the
tiller of our power sailboat.
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Bob and Joanne enjoying a cup of
coffee while sailing.
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