Robert Joseph (Jr.) Tully

Robert J. Tully Jr.

 
Quiet inspiration was Bob’s specialty.  Born March 7, 1962, in Brooklyn, NY Bob was the first son of (late) Robert and Maureen Tully’s eventual brood of four boys.  Bob’s interest in the arts and his artistic gifts, were revealed early.  Even before starting kindergarten and long before experiencing live theatre, Bob showed his interest in live performance using his little brothers to fill the roles in post-supper shows he produced for an audience of two - his parents.  A gifted artist, Bob’s talents led him to win countless contests and recognition throughout his childhood - from creating the art on New York department store windows to winning art contests in school and the community.

Moving from New York to Charlotte in 1977, Bob graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School in 1980 and went on to study at Belmont Abbey College.  It was there, at a college that professed the importance of the performing arts more than 143 years ago, that both Bob’s passion & thirst for theatre were met.  Under the guidance & inspiration of Simon Donoghue, Bob started his adult journey in live theatre, performing in many productions with the Belmont Abbey Players and Little Theater of Gastonia.  After graduating college, he went on to join Little Theatre (now Theatre Charlotte) where Bob relished the wide range of roles he played which, beyond acting, grew to include box office manager, set design and directing plays.  Bob always strove to delight the house which almost always included his original audience - his parents. 
It was in these theaters, when seats were empty, lights were dim, while scripts were being rehearsed, that many of Bob’s most cherished memories & fondest friendships were made. 
 
Bob’s passion for theatre also fueled an annual pilgrimage to New York where it’s estimated he was among the audiences of hundreds of different Broadway productions.

Bob joined Morris Costumes where for more than a decade he dutifully & loyally cared for the customers & the inventory contributing to making it the Charlotte institution it’s come to be. 
 
Bob’s gentle spirit, the one that genuinely accepted all, long before it was popular, and his sharp sense of humor, have left a permanent imprint on those he leaves behind; his mother, Maureen, brothers Kevin, Mike (Katy), Steve (Norma), nephews Mat, Nick, Dan, Joe, his only & adored niece, Grace, & many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Memorial Mass to be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church

Thursday July 15 at 10:45 AM .

Live streaming is offered at stgabrielchgurchy.org/livefunerals
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Belmont Abbey Players c/o Margaret Petrey Smith, Abbey Players, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont Mt. Holly Rd, Belmont NC 28012.

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